Reports: No doping tests for players in IPL 2021's UAE leg

As per the latest development, no player has undergone a doping test in the ongoing second leg of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) is responsible for carrying out doping control programmes in sports in the country. However, the body hasn’t sent any of its officers to UAE. It apparently happened after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and NADA failed to reach an agreement over the sample collection of players during the competition.

For the unversed, NADA, during IPL 2020, joined hands with United Arab Emirates’ National Anti-Doping Committee (NADO) to conduct the sample collection process. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case this season as no officer from NADA went to the gulf nation.

As per the Times of India, BCCI and NADA could not reach a consensus on how to restart sample collection. Hence, no doping tests have been carried out in IPL 2021. It has to be noted that NADA had set up three dope control stations (DCS) in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai before the beginning of the India leg in April.

NADA officer returned with positive COVID-19 test in the first leg of the tournament

In order to conduct the tests, the DCOs had even entered the strict bio-bubble in the city for carrying out the testing, mainly focusing on the top performers. However, one of the DCOs had contracted the COVID-19 virus despite being in the bubble. Apparently, this made BCCI skeptical of allowing DCOs again in the bubble.

Meanwhile, IPL 2021 is in its business end and some exciting matches are on the cards. While Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings have secured a place in the playoffs, Royal Challengers Bangalore are all but likely to be the third team. Hence, as many as four sides are fighting for one spot in the top four.

Furthermore, the gala tournament will be followed by the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2021. With the global competition also taking place in UAE alongside Oman, players part of IPL 2021 will have an advantage. While IPL 2021 will be concluded on October 15, the qualifying stage of the T20 World Cup will get underway on October 17.