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Cricketers will be subject to dope tests

Cricketers will not be exempted from drug tests at next month's Commonwealth Games because all participants are governed by the same rules, the chief organizer said on Thursday.

"The Commonwealth Games Federation's stand is that there cannot be any exception," said Hashim Mohamed Ali, the chief organiser of the 1998 games.

BCCI secretary J Y Lele had clearly indicated that Indian cricketers would not submit to drug tests, and said that nowhere in the world do players undergo such scrutiny.

Hashim said he had not received a letter to this effect from the BCCI. As and when he gets any official intimation, Hashim said, he would forward it to the CGF in London for follow up.

There was no need for all the hullaballoo, Hashim said. "If you are innocent, then why do you worry?"

Tests to determine whether a sportsperson is taking performance-enhancing drugs will be carried out at random and a cricketer could very likely be included, he said adding that not everyone would have to undergo the test.

The cricket tournament, included as a medal sport in the Games for the first time, will begin on September 9.

Agencies