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ANTI-DOPING POLICY

In July 2006, ICC became a signatory to the world Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and adopted a uniform Anti-Doping Policy, which provides for testing to be conducted at all its major events.

Though the ICC has been testing at its major events since 2002 without any adverse analytical finding, the new WADA-complaint policy introduced additional responsibilities for players. Therefore, prior to the ICC Champions Trophy 2006, the ICC surveyed its members to gain a better understanding of the anti-doping support provided to players and, based on the finding of this research, began the production of materials targeted at supporting their needs, particularly in the area of education. The ICC is determined to make sure that the scourge of drugs is not allowed to become a major problem in cricket and as such, the ICC Ant-Doping code is constantly being reviewed and improved upon in line with the best practice around the world.

For example, following the ruling by code of arbitration for sport (CAS) that it did not have jurisdiction to hear an appeal by WADA in the recent cases of Pakistan players Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, the ICC took a decision to strengthen its code in order to make it possible for the ICC itself to have the power to appeal any decision by its members direct to CAS in similar circumstances.

The ICC carries out drug tests at all its major events and offers support for all competing teams to prepare for this process.

For example, ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 all players and team management where informed as to how the drug tests would be carried out and the ICC provided support materials for Members to include in their anti-doping education programs.

ICC has produced an informative DVD outlining the anti-doping procedures and measures used at ICC events. This DVD, available in three languages, Hindi, English and Urdu, was distributed to all teams in the ICC Twenty20 well in advance of the event.

The ICC also provides support to Members if they require in developing and implementing their own WADA complaint policies.

While it is encouraging that no positive tests have been recorded at an ICC event since testing began in 2003, it is not a time for complacency when it comes to this issue. Testing will continue to be an integral part of ICC events in order to ensure that cricket is drug-free and ICC will continue to assist its Members and their players with any quires or concerns they have with the process. Drugs-free cricket is the interests of everyone who loves the game.

For more information on WADA please visit http://www.wada-ama.org/en/