Russell faces anti-doping hearing next week

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is set to face an independent anti-doping disciplinary panel on July 20 in Jamaica for a preliminary hearing over alleged whereabouts-clause violations, his lawyer Patrick Foster has said.

“The matter is set for hearing next week Wednesday at 10am,” Foster told Reuters . “The hearing will deal with preliminary matters, but evidence will begin on another date.”

In March this year, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) said Russell had reportedly missed three dope tests in a 12-month period, which equated to a failed test under doping laws. Athletes are required make their whereabouts known to local anti-doping agencies to facilitate testing under the WADA code and face a ban of up to two years if found guilty of repeatedly missing them.

“We received notification of Russell’s violation about two weeks ago and I’ve appointed a panel to hear his case,” JADCO independent disciplinary panel chairman Kent Pantry had told Reuters around March 2.

Russell, 27, has been a leading player in the T20 format in recent times. He played a crucial role in West Indies winning the 2016 World T20 title in March and April, and is a key performer in domestic leagues around the world.

Russell was part of winning campaigns for Sydney Thunder in the 2015-16 Big Bash League and for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League in February. He is also part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in the IPL and is currently playing for Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League. (ESPNCricinfo)

Cover photo caption: Andre Russell is presently playing for Jamaica Tallawahs in the CPL