BCCI Has Agreed To Come Under NADA Ambit: Sports Secretary

Jhulaniya, who met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri on Friday, said the Board has given in writing that it would adhere to the anti-doping policy of NADA

Ending years of defiance, Indian cricket board BCCI has now finally come under the ambit of NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency). Sports Secretary RS Julaniya confirmed it and said "BCCI does not have discretion to say no. All are same, everyone has to follow the same rules" The BCCI had earlier argued that it is an autonomous sports organisation and is affiliated to International Council of Cricket (ICC), adding that the former is not a national sports federation and is not subjected to the jurisdiction of NADA. Jhulaniya, who met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri on Friday, said the Board has given in writing that it would adhere to the anti-doping policy of NADA. "All cricketers will now be tested by NADA," Jhulaniya told PTI. "The BCCI raised three issues before us about the quality of the dope testing kits, competence of pathologists and sample collection. "We assured them that whatever facilities they want, we will provide but there will be some charge for it. BCCI is no different from others," he added. The sports ministry has been steadfast in maintaining that the BCCI had to come under the NADA ambit. It recently held back clearances for the tours by South Africa A and women's teams and it was speculated that this was done to pressurise BCCI into accepting anti-doping norms. (With PTI Inputs)