IPL Confirm Positive Dope Test
Modi - still have to identify the player.
Indian Premier League commissioner Lalit Modi has acknowledged that a player failed a random dope test during the first edition of the tournament earlier this year.
The International Cricket Council said in a statement released yesterday that it had been informed of an adverse analytical finding by the World Anti-Doping Agency's accredited laboratory which had conducted the tests.
Modi confirmed that the IPL had received a letter from the Swiss laboratory but said there was a procedure to follow before actually concluding that a player was indeed guilty of using banned substances.
"First of all the identity of the player with the sample has to be matched," said Modi.
"Then the form, which the player filled before the tournament will be scrutinised for any pre-declared or prescribed drug use. If that matches the drug found in the sample, the matter ends there.
"If it does not, the player is informed and a 'B' sample would then be tested. If that sample also tests positive, the matter will be taken up by the IPL drugs tribunal."
He said the tribunal would consist of a doctor, a former cricketer and a lawyer. He said players can appeal the verdict of the tribunal in a separate appeals tribunal.
"This is just the procedure," Modi added. "As of now we are at the first stage where one sample has tested positive."
He refused to name the player, saying the identity would be revealed only if tests on the 'B' sample is required.
Should a player be found guilty of doping, the IPL could ban the player for up to five years while also imposing a fine.
The IPL could also recommend more disciplinary action against the player to the concerned Board, while the ICC also has the power to take action against the player.
A second positive test on the player would mean a life ban.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said they would demonstrate "zero tolerance" if any of their players were found to have failed a drugs test.
PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi told Times Now: "As far as the PCB is concerned, if any player fails the test, we have zero tolerance for doping issues."