IPL 2021 Dope Test: No dope testing for IPL stars – IPL stars in the UAE can evade doping scandal as they will not undergo any dope tests during the tournament in the UAE. The reason? BCCI has refused access to NADA officials on account of strict bio-bubble protocols and the COVID-19 scare.
The first phase of IPL 2021 had seen reduced dope tests due to similar reasons but the BCCI completely stopped testing after a NADA’s DCO (Doping Control Officer) tested positive for COVID-19. BCCI had initially permitted three DCS (Dope Control Stations) in Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi during the first phase and let DCOs enter the bio-bubble during Phase 1.
IPL 2021 Dope Test: However, this time NADA, which is mandated to carry out dope tests in sporting events in India, hasn’t sent any officials to the UAE after BCCI refused them entry. Apparently, the BCCI is sceptical about the DCOs in the bio-bubble, especially after one of them tested COVID-19 positive inside IPL’s bio-bubble in April as per a TOI report.
Testing was subsequently stopped after DCOs managed to collect a handful of samples as the tournament was suspended midway through the season. However, this time, BCCI and NADA could not reach an agreement on a sample collection as the Indian board was reluctant on allowing DCOs to enter IPL’s strict bio-bubble.
IPL 2021 Dope Test: Why is there no dope testing in IPL in UAE?
- No NADA official will fly to the UAE for dope testing of cricketers even though they are mandated to do so.
- BCCI has restricted their access to enter IPL’s bio-bubble.
- BCCI’s hesitance is due to a NADA dope control officer testing COVID-19 positive inside IPL’s bio-bubble in April.
- BCCI doesn’t want to compromise IPL’s bio-bubble in the UAE.
- Already, SRH’s T Natarajan has tested positive for COVID-19 inside IPL’s bio-bubble.
BCCI has come under the scanner for not abiding by WADA rules and instead relying on its own doping controls. Prithvi Shaw was the most prominent name in recent times amongst cricketers to test positive. He served an eight-month suspension. Amongst others, Yusuf Pathan, Pradeep Sangwan also been suspended for doping violations.
