West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell commits doping violation

Andre Russell named in the West Indies squad for the World T20 in India, has missed three doping tests within a 12-month period.

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell has committed an “anti-doping whereabouts” rule violation, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) told Reuters on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old, named in the West Indies squad for the World Twenty20 in India that starts next week, has missed three doping tests within a 12-month period.

“We received notification of Russell’s violation about two weeks ago and I’ve appointed a panel to hear his case,” said JADCO independent disciplinary panel chairman Kent Pantry.

Story continues below this ad

Russell, who helped West Indies win the 2012 World Twenty20, faces a possible two-year ban from cricket if found guilty.

“There is a process regarding the findings by JADCO. All that will be observed and you will be advised accordingly,” the West Indies Cricket Board told Reuters.

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.

Story continues below this ad

Russell, who last month helped Islamabad United win the Pakistan Super league and was named man of the tournament, also plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

Stay updated with the latest sports news across Cricket, Football, Chess, and more. Catch all the action with real-time live cricket score updates and in-depth coverage of ongoing matches.