It could well be a huge blow for West Indies as all-rounder Andre Russell has to face an independent anti-doping disciplinary panel on 20th July in Jamaica for a preliminary hearing over alleged whereabouts-clause violations, his lawyer Patrick Foster has revealed on Friday.
“The matter is set for hearing next week Wednesday at 10am,” Foster told Reuters . “The hearing will deal with preliminary matters, but evidence will begin on another date.”
Back in March this year, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) confirmed Russell had reportedly missed three dope tests in a 12-month spell, which subsequently equates to a failed test under doping laws.
Athletes are bound to make their whereabouts known to local anti-doping agencies to aid the testing procedure under the WADA code and could be banned for up to two years if found guilty of repeatedly missing them.
A statement on the WADA website reads: “Any combination of three missed tests and/or failures to provide accurate whereabouts information within an 18-month period now leads to the opening of a disciplinary proceeding by the (national anti-doping organisation) with jurisdiction over the athlete. Sanctions range between one and two years depending on the circumstances of the case.”
“We received notification of Russell’s violation about two weeks ago and I’ve appointed a panel to hear his case,” JADCO independent disciplinary panel chairman Kent Pantry had told Reuters in March.
The West Indies Cricket Board is also carefully monitoring the situation.
27-year-old Russell has been enjoying an outstanding form in the T20 format in over the past one year. He played a massive role in West Indies winning the 2016 World T20 title this year, and is a key performer in domestic leagues around the world.
Russell was part of winning campaigns for Sydney Thunder in the 2015-16 Big Bash League and for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League in February. He is also a key member of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in the IPL and is currently playing for Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League.