BCCI runs a robust anti-doping programme, says ICC

Recently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has hired International Doping Tests and Management (IDTM), a Sweden-based firm, to collect the samples of its cricketers and even BCCI’s anti-doping manager, Dr Abhijeet Salvi had recently said that all domestic cricketers senior, junior and women will come under the process. 

However, there is pressure on the BCCI from the Union Sports Ministry to allow National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to collect the samples of its cricketers for testing. During this time of crisis, the BCCI has received a huge shot in the arm, with the ICC backing it for an amicable solution.

"The ICC, BCCI and WADA have been working together on a road map to facilitate the Indian NADA’S involvement in the game and this is in progress now. The BCCI runs a robust anti-doping programme utilising independent testing agencies and the road map complements this. The ICC is a fully WADA compliant federation,” an ICC spokesperson told ToI on Sunday.

Salvi had recently said that all domestic cricketers - senior, junior and women - would come under the testing plan once NADA agrees to the board’s proposal of running a trial for six months from the start of the 2019-20 season (October) provided (1) NADA nominates International Doping Tests and Management (IDTM)-certified Dope Control Officers (DCO's) (2) the tests are done in the presence of BCCI anti-doping managers and (3) the plan is decided by the BCCI.

However, giving a clear sneak peak to the issue of WADA-BCCI deal’s progression, the ICC had also revealed that they are aware of BCCI’s plans to come under the NADA umbrella. After its quarterly meeting in March, the ICC issued a statement saying: "The ICC Board were updated on WADA’s concerns in relation to the domestic anti-doping programme in India. The board unanimously acknowledged its desire to remain WADA compliant.”