Tough drug deterrents at Champions Trophy

Any player found guilty of a doping offence at next month's Champions Trophy in England could face a two-year suspension from cricket and a hefty fine under the ICC's anti-doping policy.

Malcolm Speed, the ICC's chief executive, said that while cricket is regarded as a low-risk sport for drug abuse, it is important that the game complies with the rigorous anti-doping standards recognised by leading sports authorities.

"International cricket has a good track record in steering clear of drug related problems," said Speed. "No player tested positive for drugs at the last ICC Cricket World Cup in South Africa [Shane Warne's failed test was carried out in Australia before the tournament], and I would expect the same high standards to be maintained during the ICC Champions Trophy.

"If, however, any individual decides to take a risk by using prohibited drugs," he explained, "the anti-doping code we have adopted provides powerful deterrents for proven offenders. A minimum ban of two years could effectively spell the end of a player's international career."

Two players from each of the 12 teams at the tournament will be randomly chosen for drugs testing at all of the 15 matches to be played. If a player tests positive for a banned substance, he will immediately be suspended, and the case will be referred to the tournament Drugs Tribunal. The tribunal is an independent three-person panel chaired by John Gallagher, a senior legal practitioner, and also includes David Griffith-Jones, a medical specialist, and Talat Ali, the former Pakistan cricketer and ICC referee.

The decisions of the tribunal will be open to appeal by both the player and the ICC. The Drugs Appeal Tribunal is identical in make-up to the Drugs Tribunal, and is chaired by Dr. Richard Budgett, a medical expert with detailed knowledge of doping procedures in sport.

"International cricketers are familiar with the requirements of anti-doping regimes around the world and the ICC code is consistent with many of those in regular use," added Speed. "We anticipate a drugs-free tournament and in conjunction with UK Sport have put in place a thorough and rigorous process to support and uphold that ambition."