CHENNAI: In a huge embarrassment to the BCCI, Test cricketer Prithvi Shaw was among three players who tested positive in various national events in February and March. The three tested positive for a stimulant (terbutaline), corticosteriod (Deflazacort) and diuretic and masking agent Acetazolamide. They have slapped an eight-month suspension on Shaw, which has been backdated to March.
Interestingly, Prithvi Shaw featured in IPL for Delhi Capitals even after his urine sample was collected during Mumbai’s Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 match against Punjab on February 22. He also featured in the T20 Mumbai League in June, where he was adjudged Man of the Series.
Though the samples returned positive earlier, why it took so long for the BCCI to decide on the fate of the three cricketers raises eyebrows. The delay allowed them to play in almost all domestic tournaments. It also raises serious questions over IPL’s integrity.
Also, the ban comes into force during off-season. Shaw made his debut for India only last October, just months after leading the Under-19 team to the World Cup title. Since his debut, there have been issues with his lifestyle, and even Sachin Tendulkar had reportedly called on the player to sort it out.
Another shocking revelation was the positive test returned by a 17-year-old cricketer in an U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy match. He tested positive for a masking agent Acetazolamide, a diuretic. The other case is of U-23 cricketer Akshay Dullarwar (22, Vidarbha).