BCCI rejects anti-doping clause

Mumbai, Aug 2 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday rejected a controversial World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) clause which makes it mandatory for cricketers to be available for out of competition testing, a decision which puts the Indian Board on collision course with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The BCCI said it has no problem with players being tested as part of the WADA Code but it fully shares their concerns on the 'Whereabouts Clause', which requires them to furnish information about their location three months in advance for out of competition tests.

'We are agreeing with the dope testing code, we are only objecting to the system. The issue is out of competition testing. Our players are ready to be tested but they say they are not in a position to give their whereabouts. We back the players on this,' BCCI President Shashank Manohar told reporters in Mumbai after the meeting.

'You cannot invade the privacy of individuals. I don't know what the ICC will do. The implications of this decision would be decided after we write to the ICC. Today, it would be jumping the gun,' he added.

The BCCI said there are three reasons for not agreeing to the clause.

'The players have security cover and they cannot disclose their whereabouts with a security cover. Secondly, the privacy of an individual cannot be invaded and thirdly, our constitution gives a guarantee regarding an individual's privacy. You cannot invade on somebody's privacy 24 hours a day for 365 days,' Manohar said.

Meanwhile, ICC's Media and Communications Manager Brian Murgatroyd said: 'The ICC is grateful to the BCCI for its time. We are aware of the issues and the concerns but we are confident they can be sorted out. We are looking for a practical solution. The next step is the matter to be taken to the ICC Board.'