Andre Russell cleared to play despite doping violation

Andre Rusell, who was possibly going to face suspension for the doping violation, has been cleared to play for West Indies. West Indies’ preparation for the upcoming World T20 had suffered a jolt when the news broke out that Andre Russell could face a lengthy ban because of committing violating anti-doping rules.

According to anti-doping rules, athletes must tell their local anti-doping agency where they will be for at least one hour each day to facilitate drug tests, World Anti-Doping Agency rules state. If an athlete misses three drug checks within a 12-month period, that counts as a positive test. Russell, who is part of the West Indies squad for the upcoming World T20, had reportedly missed three such tests in a 12-month period.

Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission on Friday stated that West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell will not be suspended pending a hearing into his “anti-doping whereabouts” rule violation.

“The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission has referred the matter regarding Mr. Andre Russell to the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel,” JADCO executive director Carey Brown said in a statement on Friday.

“The Commission is awaiting a date for the hearing. Mr. Russell has not been provisionally suspended.”

Precedent would suggest that the panel, chaired by Kent Pantry, is unlikely to set a hearing date until long after the World Twenty20 is concluded on April 3

Russell, a member of the West Indies team which won the 2012 World Twenty20, is therefore likely to be available for the opening Super 10 match against England in Mumbai on March 16.