In a row between BCCI and NADA, about doping tests conducted on players, BCCI finally decided to join hands with NADA following some terms and conditions. WhileThe Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) sited them to be an autonomous body and claimed of not taking any fund or help from the government, which also gave them the power to not align withNational Sports Federation (NSF). On the other hand, NADA have been urging BCCI to follow the protocol after the failed dope-test of Prithvi Shaw came to the surface.
However, after certain disagreements, BCCI and National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) sought it out, with BCCI finally agreeing to fall under NADA’s policies. BCCI finalized a meeting along with BCCI CEO Rahul Johrialong with sports secretary RadheshyamJulaniya and general manager (cricket operations) Saba Karim, with NADA director general Navin Agarwal in New Delhi on 9th August. The only reason why BCCI did not agree with NADApreviously was for the ‘whereabouts clause’, which might infringe the privacy of players while on vacations as well.
The implication ofNADA’s rules will now be applicable on BCCI. BCCI will now follow all the rules and laws enforced by the Government of India. Another disagreement between the two parties were, the quality of doping kits used in a test and the capability of the pathologists. To which NADA reportedly assured BCCI, that they would be using World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) approved kits and competent professionals. NADA though applied some charges to BCCI for the little changes made, but it makes BCCI’s accept the deal.
This will give NADA an access to conduct tests on players during domestic tournaments such as, Ranji Trophy and even Indian Premier League. However, NADA will not have the permission to conducts any such tests in bilateral series like the upcoming India-South Africa home series, unless International Cricket Council (ICC) asks for it. Thirdly, WADA will have the power to directly ask ICC to authorize NADA to collects test samples from players. And lastly, NADA cannot acquire samples on its own, while any ICC tournaments such as, World T20 and World Cup.
The problem which previously did not let BCCI have a concord with NADA, the ‘whereabouts clause’, will still be applicable, but only in the tournaments on which it has its access. However, BCCI still does not fall under NSF and will not come under RTI act. WADA will now have the right to review the PrithviShaw’s 8-month ban charges but was allowed to resume playing during IPL, and they will do so, following the standard procedure.
