THE WADA CONTROVERSY

What is WADA?

WADA, or the World Anti Doping Agency, was established in 1999 to fight the increasing use of performance-enhancing drugs in international sport. It is sport’s official anti-doping regulator and is backed by the International Olympic committee. Over the last decade, 570 sporting committees in 192 countries are under the WADA umbrella.
When did cricket come under WADA cover?

Though the ICC has been conducting anti-doping tests since 2002, it was only in 2006 that it signed up with WADA. To be a signatory and to comply with WADA norms were mandatory for cricket to become a truly global sport and get an opportunity to participate in events such as the Olympics or Asian Games.

Why is it an issue now?

The ICC amended its anti-doping code in compliance with the latest WADA norms in January 2009, with players required to put pen on paper by July 31. Though all members of the ICC agreed upon the updated code, there is one clause that has irked the Indian players — the ‘whereabouts clause’. Though the ICC has been conducting anti-doping tests since 2002, it was only in 2006 that it signed up with WADA. To be a signatory and to comply with WADA norms were mandatory for cricket to become a truly global sport and get an opportunity to participate in events such as the Olympics or Asian Games.
Why is it an issue now?
The ICC amended its anti-doping code in compliance with the latest WADA norms in January 2009, with players required to put pen on paper by July 31. Though all members of the ICC agreed upon the updated code, there is one clause that has irked the Indian players — the ‘whereabouts clause’.

What if there is a change in a player’s schedule?

Whenever there is a change in his or her schedule, the player will have to update his ‘whereabouts’ information by notifying his ICC nodal officer either online or by sending an SMS of his location at that point.

What is the procedure for submitting the whereabouts information?

The players can use the online WADA whereabouts management system to submit their information. There is also a provision of authorising third parties to do so.
What happens if the information is inaccurate?
There is a strike recorded against the player’s name. A strike is also recorded if the player is not available at the location that he or she had nominated for the ‘testing slot’. Three such strikes within an 18-month period could mean a ban which could stretch anywhere between one to eight years.

What issues do Indian players have against the clause?

The Indian players in the 2009 IRTP insist that the clause breaches their privacy, and have also questioned the practicality and feasibility of it. The likes of Dhoni and Tendulkar, who have received threats from terrorist organisations in the past, have also cited security risks.