The distinctive bat, which has a black blade and a pink handle, was banned by Cricket Australia last week after it left marks on the ball during the season-opening clash between his Sydney Thunder team and the Sydney Sixers.

A transparent laminate cover has now been applied in order to protect the ball.

"Following feedback from the match officials that the bat used by Andre in the opening night of the season left black marks on the match ball, Andre has worked with his bat manufacturer to modify the bat," said BBL head, Anthony Everard.

"A clear laminate cover has been applied to the bat, which complies with regulations to ensure the ball dis-colouration does not occur again. 

"We're now satisfied that the bat will not compromise the integrity of the game by dis-colouring the match ball and we have granted approval for Andre to use the bat in any future BBL matches."

Russell, an all-rounder who has played one test, 51 one-day internationals and 43 T20 games for the West Indies, scored nine runs for the defending champions Sydney Thunder in their seven-wicket loss to the Sydney Sixers last week before picking up one wicket for 27 runs with his bowling.

Originally, the bat in question had been given permission by the league’s organisers.

Players are allowed to use different coloured bats as long as they are the same colour as the team’s kit or black.

This season’s league is due to run until January 28.