The BCCI has been constantly opposing coming under NADA, claiming that it is an autonomous body and not a sports federation that relies on government funding. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had told the International Cricket Council (ICC) that the BCCI has to come under NADA's ambit for ICC to remain complaint after which ICC communicated the same to BCCI.
Sports Secretary Radheshyam Jhulaniya confirmed to PTI, "All cricketers will now be tested by NADA. 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."
Despite BCCI's objection, the sports ministry had been constantly pressuring the Indian cricket body to come under the NADA ambit. In fact, it even held back clearances for a couple of tours of South Africa A and Women's teams. Some allegations claimed this was done to pressurise BCCI to come under the anti-doping norms of NADA.
It may be pertinent to note here that BCCI recently banned Prithvi Shaw and two others for violation of anti-doping norms. The Indian cricket team is currently in West Indies for a full tour.
--By A Cricket Correspondent