'Absolutely necessary, like security checks'

ICC chief executive Lorgat uses airport analogy to drive home anti-doping point

International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat has used the example of security checks at airports to drive home the point that players need to adhere to World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) regulations to ensure cricket is a clean sport.

Indian cricketers have refused to furnish details of their whereabouts as per WADA requirements. They reckon these procedures eat into their privacy which they have a right to enjoy when not on the field of play.

Lorgat said he understood the concerns but these regulations are universally followed.

u00a0"Of course I understand that submitting details of your whereabouts in advance is not something everyone would want to do and I understand the concerns of players and their associations who may consider such a move an infringement of their private space.

"But it is absolutely necessary, quite like the security checks that are done at all airports these days, if we are to manage an effective out of competition testing programme in support of our wider aim which is to prevent abuse of the system," the South African told MiD DAY via email.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to back the players when bigwigs of the Board meet tomorrow.

They will also meet with ICC officials. Lorgat added: "The meeting on Sunday will hopefully help us to understand any remaining concerns about the implementation of the programme by the Indian players. And if we think that there are things that need to change in the system, we will provide feedback to WADA.

"We are hopeful that we can work through this with the full confidence of our members and are happy to demonstrate to them that there are a number of ways of ensuring compliance with the requirements."