Andre Russell might face ban for violating ‘anti-doping whereabouts’ rule

West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell who is a part of the West Indies squad for the upcoming World T20 2016 in India might well face suspension for about 24 months since the cricketer violated the “anti-doping whereabouts” rule, Reuters on Wednesday quoted the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO).

Russell has missed three doping tests within a period of 12 months which is considered equivalent to failing the drug test under the anti-doping laws.

JADCO independent disciplinary panel chairman Kent Pantry was quoted saying, “We received notification of Russell’s violation about two weeks ago and I’ve appointed a panel to hear his case,”

If the cricketer is found guilty he will possibly be handed a two-year ban from cricket.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on its part said, “There is a process regarding the findings by JADCO. All that will be observed and you will be advised accordingly,”

With the World T20 in hindsight the anti-doping agency is in action. The World Anit-Doping Agency rules state – All the athletes have to disclose their local to the anti-doping agency to facilitate drug tests.

Russell, who was an integral part and helped the West Indies team lift the World T20 champions trophy in 2012 has been in great nick in the T20 leagues he has been featuring in and was certainly a vital cog in West Indies’ plans for the mega event. He was also a member of the Islamabad United team that won the inaugural Pakistan Super league (PSL) last month. Andre Russell was also named man of the tournament.

He is not the first cricketer who has failed the test – 7 Infamous incidents when cricketers were banned for doping