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ICC: Two years for doping
23/08/2004 17:31 - (SA)
London - Players will face a minimum two-year ban for doping violations in next month's ICC Champions Trophy in England.
The matches involving 12 teams are set for Sept 10-25 at three venues.
In a statement on Monday, the ICC said it would be using World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) laboratories for tests during the two-week championship.
ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said that "while cricket is regarded as a low-risk sport for drug abuse," stiff penalties would be meted out to violators. He said first-time violations would receive an automatic two-year ban, with a second offence carrying a life ban.
Speed said if "any individual decides to take a risk by using prohibited drugs, the anti-doping code we have adopted provides powerful deterrents for proven offenders."
"International cricketers are familiar with the requirements of anti-doping regimes around the world, and the ICC code is consistent with many of those in regular use," he added.
Teams participating are: England, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, United States, India, Kenya, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
- SAPA
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