Cricketers now face out-of-comp drug tests

NEW DELHI: Cricketers can be tested out of competition for the first time under a new anti-doping code announced on Monday by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The rules, revised after amendments to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code and unanimously approved by the ICC Board, will come into effect from Jan 1.

Until now, dope tests have been conducted only in ICC events such as the World Cup. The sport's governing body began testing at its events in 2002 and became a WADA signatory two years ago.