India's top cricketers have refused to co-operate fully with the International Cricket Council's anti-doping programme which requires them to inform the game's governing body about their whereabouts for random dope testing.
India's top cricketers have refused to co-operate fully with the International Cricket Council's anti-doping programme which requires them to inform the game's governing body about their whereabouts for random dope testing.
"This is a ridiculous and unheard of regulation," said a livid senior player.
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The new ICC regulations for doping control have not gone down well with Team India, currently in New Zealand in the middle of an important Test series. Players have aired their grievances to the BCCI. |
An ICC anti-doping unit representative met with India's cricketers in New Zealand two days ago to educate them about various measures they are taking to ensure cricket is a drug-free sport.
While the players are believed to have extended support, they took strong objection when the representative informed them that they would have inform the ICC whenever they move out of their home city.
SurveillanceFor example, if Mahendra Singh Dhoni leaves for a holiday, it would be mandatory for him to provide his phone number to the cricket authorities just in case a random test needs to be carried out.
A BCCI official confirmed to MiD DAY yesterday that the players in New Zealand had a problem with it and had informed the Board about their grouse.
Earlier, players could be tested only during ICC events. Now, the ICC will identify seven players and will test them randomly.
"The new ICC Anti-Doping Code gives more flexibility to any hearing panel appointed in terms of the sanctions and penalties that may be imposed against players who test positive for a banned substance.
"Critically, it also means that international cricketers must be available for testing at any time, any day of the year, whether it is at ICC events, bilateral series or even out of competition," says the ICC on their website.
