Neither the ICC nor SLC confirmed what Perera tested positive for

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Perera has been ruled out of the upcoming tour of New Zealand after testing positive for a banned substance.

Perera underwent a random test that was conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) during Sri Lanka’s home series against Pakistan in June-August and he will now be replaced by Kaushal Silva.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have confirmed that they will have another of Perera’s samples tested and “make every endeavor” to ensure he can resume playing cricket as soon as possible.

“The ICC can confirm that Mr Kusal Perera has been charged by the ICC with an anti-doping rule violation pursuant to the ICC Anti-Doping Code after a sample he provided was found to contain a Prohibited Substance,” an ICC spokesperson said.

While the ICC and SLC have not confirmed what Perera tested positive for, the ICC served Perera with a Notice of Charge on Monday. As a result, Perera now has 14 days to request a hearing before an independent three-person Anti-Doping Tribunal.

According to the ICC Anti-Doping Code, a player who fails to do this “shall have been deemed to have admitted that he/she has committed the anti-doping rule violation(s) specified in the Notice of Charge”. Should this happen, Perera will have to accept the repercussions specified in the Notice of Charge.

Perera will also have the right to request a laboratory to analyse an unopened and untested B sample in order to “confirm the [ICC’s findings] in respect of the A Sample”.