The ICC is working with UK Sport to implement an anti doping policy for the tournament that meets international standards, including the use of World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratories for the testing of samples.
ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said that while cricket is regarded as a low-risk sport for drug abuse, it was important to demonstrate compliance with standards recognised by leading authorities: “International cricket has a good track record in steering clear of drug related problems. No player tested positive for drugs at the last ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa (Shane Warne’s test was carried out in Australia before the tournament), and I would expect the same high standards to be maintained during the ICC Champions Trophy.
“If however any individual decides to take a risk by using prohibited drugs, the anti doping code we have adopted provides powerful deterrents for proven offenders. A minimum ban of two years could effectively spell the end of a player’s international career,” said Mr Speed.
Two players from each of the 12 competing teams will be randomly selected for drugs testing at all of the 15 ICC Champions Trophy matches.
In the event of a positive test the player will be immediately suspended and the case referred to the tournament Drugs Tribunal - an independent three person panel consisting of a senior legal practitioner, a medical specialist and a former cricketer or administrator.
Decisions reached by the Drugs Tribunal would be subject to appeal by both the player and the ICC. Any appeal would be referred to a Drugs Appeal Tribunal. That tribunal also consists of a senior legal practitioner, a medical specialist and a former cricketer or administrator.
