Rebecca Stokell enters voluntary suspension over medication breach
Ireland batter acknowledged inadvertent breach of anti-doping reporting requirements for prescription medication
Ireland women's cricketer Rebecca Stokell has voluntarily suspended herself after acknowledging an inadvertent breach of International Cricket Council's anti-doping regulations relating to the reporting requirements for prescription medication.
Stokell accepted responsibility for failing to comply with the regulations and will remain suspended pending the outcome of an ICC investigation. While the substance involved was not performance-enhancing and the breach was unintentional, the 26-year-old acknowledged she could face a suspension from the game.
The case bears similarities to that of Australia pacer Megan Schutt, who was recently handed a two-match suspension last month for failing to adhere to guidelines governing prescription medication. Schutt's breach also occurred out of competition and did not involve a performance-enhancing substance.
"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," said Graeme West, Cricket Ireland's Director of High Performance.
Stokell said she accepted her mistake and hopes to add to her 109 caps for Ireland. She was last in action in the ODI series against England in early September.
"I fully accept my mistake and have voluntarily entered into a period of suspension ahead of the findings being returned. 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," she said.
