West Indies allrounder Andre Russell found himself in a huge controversy after it was revealed that the Carribean star will be facing an anti-doping disciplinary panel hearing over two days in September this year. He has been charged by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) for failing to comply with the ‘whereabouts’ clause and had attended a preliminary hearing earlier this week.
Though Russell didn’t fail any drug test or miss out on any mandatory tests that sportspersons are required to undertake from time to time, he failed to update the locations he was present at when not involved in action on the field as it mandatory under the provisions of the Anti-Doping Code. Though he has not been provisionally suspended and will continue being available for the remaining matches of the Carribean Premier League, Russell could face a maximum ban of two years if found guilty.
A statement on the WADA website reads: "Any combination of three missed tests and/or failures to provide accurate whereabouts information within an 18-month period now leads to the opening of a disciplinary proceeding by the (national anti-doping organization) with jurisdiction over the athlete. Sanctions range between one and two years depending on the circumstances of the case."
It is the above clause that has Russell in a spot of bother though he has managed to keep his off-field distractions away from his game on the field, impressing with an all-round performance for his side Jamaica Tallawahs in their recent game against the Trinbago Knight Riders, scoring 44 runs with the bat before picking up four wickets to send Tallawahs to the top of the standings in the CPL.
Though not part of the West Indies Test side that is currently taking on India in a four-match Test series, Russell is a sought-after cricketer in the shorter formats of the game, especially T20 cricket. He represents Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League and Sydney Thunders in the Big Bash League and the Australian franchise was quick to respond to the reports saying that they will let the law take its own course.
"There is a clear process to go through and we will not be commenting until it is completed," the Thunder said in a statement.
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) also chose to respond on the issue with care stating that further communication will be made to the media as and when things become clear.
"There is a process regarding the findings by JADCO. All that will be observed and you will be advised accordingly," the WICB said.
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