IPL yet to begin dope testing

While the officials concerned are tight-lipped about the reasons behind it, a source in the IPL said that it was for the sake of less initiated players who needed to be advised on the ‘dos and don’ts’ with regard to banned substances, writes K Kumaraswamy.

The Indian Premier League might have the sanction of the ICC but the inaugural edition has relaxed the standards at least on one crucial aspect.

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The IPL is yet to start the random dope testing that is mandatory for all ICC events. While the officials concerned are tight-lipped about the reasons behind it, a source in the IPL said that it was for the sake of less initiated players who needed to be advised on the ‘dos and don’ts’ with regard to banned substances.

“The testing has not started because the doctors have requested for a week’s time to brief the players in the teams who might not be aware of the procedures involved,” the source told Hindustan Times.

“Players like those from the Catchment Areas might have been taking medical treatment prior to the tournament. They might not know that even using a Vicks vaporab could lead to a positive test which could ruin their career,” he added.

Players like Sachin Tendulkar who are recovering from an injury should not have problems, though. Every player is required to fill up a form mentioning the treatment they are undergoing and allowance is made in the results for the dosage of medicine prescribed to him.

Malhotra, however, said that the testing would be done in accordance with the ICC Anti-Doping policy, under which two players would be randomly tested during a match.