Steyn cleared of doping violation

Dale Steyn, the South Africa fast bowler, has been cleared by the IPL of any doping violation, Gerald Majola, Cricket South Africa's chief executive, has said. Steyn had come under the doping cloud when CSA acknowledged an "adverse finding" against him following a test conducted during the second IPL, but attributed the result to legitimate painkillers he had taken at the time.

However, Majola said on Wednesday that the IPL had cleared him of any violation. "There was a discrepancy in the result of a doping test during the IPL," Majola said. "But the authorities are perfectly satisfied with the explanation that Dale has provided and they have confirmed that no offence has been committed."

Steyn's use of painkillers during the IPL had resulted in the "marginal increase in the presence of morphene" in the sample. The IPL's testing agency had asked the player for a clarification on the finding, which prompted the South African board to submit a report explaining the situation.

Majola added that CSA remained totally committed to the ICC's anti-doping programme. Steyn will join the rest of the South Africa squad for a training camp in Potchefstroom towards the end of August ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Steyn represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in just three matches in the second edition of the IPL and missed most of the action as a result of a thumb injury.