Burns skipped the start of the tournament to spend time with her pregnant wife, after playing in The Hundred in England during the winter.

She had intended to join the Sixers in Launceston, but had her entry into Tasmania denied as well as subsequent requests in South Australia and Queensland.

Burns had stated she was happy to do two weeks of hard quarantine in any of the states, without training.

"We tried all that we could, but it was to no avail," Cricket NSW's interim head of female Cricket Clare Crewdson said

"We are disappointed for Erin and her teammates and a little bewildered as to why we were unable to achieve what other sports have, by moving players and families across borders to fulfil their jobs.

"But at the end of the day we respect the decisions and processes implemented by State Governments and feel for those people locked out of states that are unable to see family and friends."

Burns will now only play in the WBBL this year if a Melbourne or Sydney team topped the table and were given clearance to host finals.

Her absence comes as a major blow to the Sixers, who sit sixth on the ladder and could have desperately done with Burns' hitting in the middle order.

Burns averages 19.27 with the bat and 22.07 with the ball in Big Bash cricket, and has played six games for Australia across all formats.

"I'm gutted I can't join the Sixers because WBBL is always such a highlight of the season," Burns said.

"So not to be able to pull on the magenta with the girls is devastating.

"I have so much confidence in this group to do a great job and I will be following closely."

Australian Associated Press