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