Media release

Drug testing procedure for state and ACB contracted players

Drug testing in cricket is conducted by the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA), an independent body established by Commonwealth legislation

  • Drug testing in cricket is conducted by the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA), an independent body established by Commonwealth legislation.
  • ASDA conducts independent, unannounced, random tests on state and Australian Cricket Board (ACB) contracted players both in and out of season.
  • Since season 2000-01, the ACB has increased its total investment in anti-doping education and drug testing by 44 per cent.
  • Since season 2000-01, the ACB has increased the number of drug tests by 18 per cent, with 66 out of 130 state and ACB contracted players being tested this year.
  • ASDA's tests are based on urine samples from randomly selected players.
  • The samples are sent to an independent government laboratory for testing.
  • Each sample is identified by a number and the identity of the player is known only to ASDA.
  • The result of each test is relayed back to ASDA.
  • If a sample tests positive for a prohibited substance, the player concerned is notified by ASDA.
  • After notifying the player, ASDA informs the ACB.
  • The ACB Anti-Doping Policy then takes effect.