West Indies all-rounder Russell commits doping violation
By Kayon Raynor
KINGSTON (Reuters) - 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.
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-monthperiod, 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.
(Editing by Ed Osmond)