WIPA: Members aware of WADA rules

The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) has revealed that, over the years, the organisation has facilitated workshops intended to inform its members of the demands of the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA) code of conduct.

WIPA issued its statement on Wednesday, the same day it was announced that West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell had violated a WADA code.

The association said that it has held several anti-doping workshops across the six major Caribbean cricketing territories.

"The West Indies Players' Association, through our player-development workshops, has imparted knowledge in 15 different workshops across the region over the last two years," the statement said.

"Our player resource officers, (PROs) have facilitated these workshops with the six franchises in the WICB Professional Cricket League from its inception in 2014.

"One of the main items covered in the 15 workshops is the World Anti-Doping Code," the WIPA statement said.

WIPA added that it remained committed to continuous training and development of its members.

"WIPA's PROs would have explained in full detail the different mandatory filings that are expected of each athlete and the repercussions of failing to correctly complete the said required filings," it stated.

One of the most sought-after players in Twenty20 cricket globally, Russell faces the prospect of a two-year ban after missing three mandatory "out-of-competition" or "whereabouts" drug tests over a one-year period.

The drug tests were to be carried out by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission.

Russell is currently with the West Indies squad in the United Arab Emirates, where he is preparing for the Twenty20 World Cup later this month in India.