According to the latest reports of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), one Indian cricketer tested positive for a banned substance in 2016. It is the second time such instance has taken place. Fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan also tested positive for a banned substance in 2013 and was banned from cricket for a while. The cricketer has not been named yet.
When BCCI was contacted about the identity of the cricketer, a top BCCI official, who handles the specific domain told PTI: “We haven”t received any report from the WADA as of now so we are not in a position to reveal the name of the cricketer.”
According to 2016 doping statistics, 138 Indian cricketers were tested out of which there was one negative result. The tests were done In-Competition, meaning the cricketer was caught during the course of a tournament. Presumably, it is a BCCI tournament or IPL and not an ICC Tournament since ICC compulsorily sends media release.
Similar tests which were carried on in Pakistan showed 100% negative results (52) as well as in Bangladesh (24). In 2016 ICC carried out 561 tests out of which there was one Adverse Analytical Finding (which means there was doubt whether athlete tested positive).
Instances of notable cricketers testing positive to banned substance include Shane Warne during 2003 World Cup and Pakistan”s leading leg-spinner Yasir Shah in 2015. Warne tested positive for the diuretic, a weight reducing a substance in 2003. He had been consuming that to get rid of his double chin. Subsequently, he missed the 2003 World Cup.
Yasir Shah was at the peak of his career in 2015 when he tested positive to chlorthalidone, a banned substance. Shah contended that he had been consuming the drug to keep his blood pressure in check. There was a fear that he could be banned for 4 years but eventually, he was let go with a 3-month ban.
– by Atharva Apte
