Victoria spinner Muirhead approached improperly

South Australia made an improper approach to recruit the young Victoria legspinner James Muirhead during the 2012-13 season, a Cricket Australia grievance tribunal has ruled. However the matter has been adjourned for further proceedings at a later date after SA contested the verdict.

Muirhead, who played for the Adelaide Strikers in the inaugural BBL tournament in 2011-12, is contracted to the Bushrangers but it was alleged by the Bushrangers that he was approached by SA towards the end of this season's competition, despite his current deal, and without their permission.

"The Tribunal found a breach of Rule 4 of the Rules for Interstate Competitions by the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA)," a CA spokesman said. "A further hearing of the matter has been adjourned to the 24th April 2013."

The relevant rule states: "State Association must not (and must ensure that its constituent clubs do not) hold discussions with a CA Contracted Player or a State Contracted Player who is bound to another State Association concerning the possible transfer of that player without first informing the player's home State Association."

SA have indicated their determination to dispute the outcome. "SACA maintains that it did not breach Rule 4 of the Rules for Interstate Competitions and is currently working with its legal team to consider its options," the SACA chief executive Keith Bradshaw said. "Given the matter is still under consideration no further comments will be made at this time."

The official recruiting period for states began on Wednesday after CA announced their list of centrally-contracted players for the coming year.