Quantcast

Anti-doping concern for West Indies star

Andre Russell will face an anti-doping disciplinary panel in September

West Indian and Sydney Thunder star Andre Russell will face a two-day hearing in September over a charge of failing to update his diary under the anti-doping code.

Russell appeared before an independent anti-doping disciplinary panel in Jamaica this week for a preliminary hearing, and must now return in September for a full hearing over two days on September 19 and 20.

If Russell had any concerns over the preliminary hearing it didn't affect his cricket – the allrounder starring with bat and ball in a man-of-the-match performance the evening before, showcasing his flamboyance by wielding a hot pink piece of willow.

WATCH: Russell goes pink in the CPL

Russell's lawyer Patrick Foster, a senior partner with Kingston firm Nunes, Scholefield, De Leon & Co, confirmed the September hearing dates to cricket.com.au. 

The allrounder was hit with a 'whereabouts rule' violation in March by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO).

The 28-year-old big-hitting allrounder, who helped the Thunder to their maiden KFC Big Bash League title last summer and was part of the West Indies team that won their second World T20 title in India in April, has not failed any drug test but triggered the violation by allegedly falling short of the 'whereabouts rule' requirements to file accurate location information.

Russell has not been provisionally suspended and continues to compete in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League, but he does face a maximum two-year ban if found guilty. 

World Anti-Doping Agency rules state athletes must inform their local anti-doping agency, in Russell's case JADCO, where they will be for at least one hour between 6am and 11pm of every day to facilitate doping tests.

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 organisation) with jurisdiction over the athlete. Sanctions range between one and two years depending on the circumstances of the case."

Russell has been in hot demand from T20 clubs around the globe. In February he helped Islamabad United win the inaugural Pakistan Super League and was named man of the tournament.

He also plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, and is currently plying his trade for the Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL.

The allrounder was instrumental in the Thunder's run to the BBL|05 title and the Sydney club is monitoring the situation.

WATCH: Russell on song for Thunder

"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 is also carefully monitoring the situation.

"There is a process regarding the findings by JADCO. All that will be observed and you will be advised accordingly," the WICB said.