Cricket Australia reveals drugs policy

Cricket Australia has signed off on a drugs policy that allows players to be caught four times before they are in danger of losing their contract. The document, which was prepared with the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), was formed after a survey of the country's players, with 88% saying the game needed an illicit substances code.

The policy allows for a suspended fine and ban of 20 days for a first transgression and a second offence results in more small fines, a 40-day ban and the player's state and country administration being told. A break of 12 months comes with a third violation and a fourth could lead to immediate termination of the player's contract.

"Cricket Australia is serious about keeping our sport drug free with a policy which balances deterrence with player welfare," James Sutherland, Cricket Australia's chief executive, said. "Cricket Australia, state and territory associations and the ACA understand that cricketers have the ability to influence the lives of others."

Paul Marsh, the ACA chief executive, said the policy had the right formula between stopping players from using drugs and providing support for those who were caught. The code will cover all men's and women's internationals, domestic and 2nd XI games and allows for random out-of-competition testing.