ICC finally adopts 'whereabouts' drug clause

Published>Fri, Jul 16 10 07:27 PM

Dubai, July 16 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) finally adopted Friday a new 'whereabouts clause' that has the support of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The ICC said that the new rule will come into effect from Aug 1 and it has been agreed to by all members.

'The ICC whereabouts rules will strengthen our out-of-competition testing programme as we strive to ensure that cricket remains drug-free,' said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

The rules, which implement the out-of-competition testing requirements under the ICC's Anti-Doping Code, establish a two-tier approach to whereabouts filing, with the establishment of an International Registered Testing Pool (IRTP) of players who will be required to submit their 'whereabouts' information in accordance with WADA's International Standard for Testing as well as a national player pool (NPP), for whom other 'cricket whereabouts' information will be provided.

'After a long and thorough process, we now have a tough and practical set of rules that will support our zero-tolerance approach to doping in our great sport. We know this is a complex area for players and administrators and I wish to thank all our Members for their willingness to find a workable solution,' Lorgat said.

'All of us are now satisfied that we have a code and rules that will support out-of-competition testing and protect international cricket from those who wish to cheat.

'Our next steps are to educate the relevant players and administrators so that they understand their responsibilities under the new rules followed by 'live' implementation shortly thereafter,' he added.

WADA Director General David Howman said: 'The World Anti-Doping Agency congratulates the International Cricket Council for agreeing its new 'whereabouts rules'. It is another sign from cricket's governing body that it is serious about protecting the integrity of the sport. It will mean that the ICC's out-of-competition testing programme, under which any player can be tested at any time, will now be strengthened and it is a good step forward for cricket.'

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