BBL 2022-23: Perth Scorchers Terminate Laurie Evans Deal After Positive Dope Test

The Perth Scorchers have breached their contract with Laurie Evans after he failed an anti-doping test.

The 35-year-old disclosed in a statement posted by the Professional Cricketers’ Association on Monday (November 21) that traces of a banned substance were found in a test in August 2022.

Evans pleaded innocent and stated that he was “doing all possible” to look into the situation. The England and Wales Cricket Board has not yet filed a charge against him.

The announcement has left Scorchers “disappointed,” and they have mutually decided to sever their association with the player’s management for the Big Bash League season of 2022–2023.

They will now consider adding an international replacement player to their group, which already comprises Phil Salt and Tymal Mills.

Laurie Evans denied taking performance-enhancing drugs:

Evans was retained by the reigning BBL champions in the second round of the first BBL draft in August Following a great season.

Evans has denied using performance-enhancing drugs and faces a four-year ban.

“I was shocked to be told that an anti-doping sample I provided in August 2022 tested positive for trace amounts of a banned substance,” Evans said in a statement released via the Professional Cricketers’ Association, the players’ union for English cricketers.

“I believe passionately in clean sport and I have never taken any banned substances” Laurie Evan Added.

“I do not know what caused the positive test but my team and I are investigating how this could have happened and I am doing everything possible to find out.”

“Due to the confidentiality of the process, I cannot say any more at this stage but I would like to thank my family for supporting me at this very distressing time,” Laurie Evan remarked.

During BBL|11, he batted at 40.11 and hit 361 runs as the Scorchers won their fourth title. Evans was selected player of the contest after an unbeaten 76 in the final versus Sydney Sixers.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “Usko Toh Main Ek…”- Suryakumar Yadav Reacts To Virat Kohli’s ‘Video Game’ Tweet