Andre Russell opens up about one-year doping ban

Windies’ star all-rounder Andre Russell, who is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He is all set to represent Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United during the third edition of the league.

The lucrative Twenty20 PSL will be beginning on February 22. The curtain raiser will be played between the defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and the newest recruit Multan Sultans.

With his admission, Russell stated it was ‘terrible’ to be more of a mere spectator while witnessing the matches.
Moreover, Russell went on to add; he was raring to go while focusing solely on his fitness.

“It was very hard to watch the matches, not injured, fully fit but unable to play… it was terrible,” Russell told Geo Tv in Dubai.

Talking about quandary, Russell missed out the tests thrice in 2015. The first was in January and then in July twice.
However, known for his big-hitting ability, Russell missed the competitive cricket when the world cricket body International Cricket Council (ICC) gave out the verdict.

“I have a net at home, with a bowling machine, so I have guys who feed the ball to me and make sure I’m in good shape,” Russell points.

Moreover, couldn’t even file the whereabouts clause on each of the occasion when he was asked at the earliest. And he has set his focus on performing well owing to his trait.

“I always look to get wickets, make a lot of runs. If I take a brilliant catch in the field or make a runout, that’s a bonus,” Russell added.

Pertinently, Russell might not have failed the drug test, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in its rulebook has maintained that failing to conduct the tests would also be deemed as positive during the drug test.

It simultaneously saw Russell being handed over the minimum ban of 12-months.

Moreover, the ban expired in January and Russell, who expressed his happiness over his return, believes such things mend the one in one way or another.

“But at the end of the day, when I did the crime you have to do the time. It was a good experience for me as well and I’m happy to be back,” Russell maintains.

Interestingly, Andre Russell was retained by the Indian Premier League franchise in INR 7 crore during the two-day auction on January 27 and 28 respectively held in Bengaluru.

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