Ireland’s Rebecca Stokell Accepts Voluntary Suspension Following Anti-Doping Reporting Breach

Ireland cricketer Rebecca Stokell has accepted full responsibility for an inadvertent breach of anti-doping reporting requirements regarding prescription medication and has commenced a voluntary suspension.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the 26-year-old returned an adverse analytical finding for a specified substance following a test conducted after Ireland’s defeat to Sri Lanka at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in June. While the substance in question is not performance-enhancing, Stokell acknowledged she failed to comply with the necessary therapeutic use exemption (TUE) reporting protocols.

Consequently, the batter has entered a voluntary period of suspension pending the conclusion of the ICC’s investigation.

“I fully accept my mistake and have voluntarily entered into a period of suspension ahead of the findings being returned,” Stokell said in a statement. “While this was not performance-related in any way, I understand that I am responsible for following the anti-doping guidelines and I hope that I can be back playing for Ireland as soon as possible.”

Graeme West, Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, expressed sympathy for the player while underscoring the importance of compliance.

“While we feel very sorry for Rebecca and have provided the level of support appropriate in these circumstances, this incident does serve as a reminder to all our international players that the anti-doping rules are in place to protect both the sport and the athletes themselves,” West said. “All players must adhere to the standards and responsibilities expected, and we will continue to educate our players regularly on these matters and why they are important.”

Stokell made her international debut in 2017 and has represented Ireland 109 times across all formats.

Source link