Ireland cricketer Rebecca Stokell suspended after failed drug test

Rebecca Stokell is serving a voluntary suspension after testing positive for a banned substance during the women’s T20 World Cup. The Irish middle-order batter began her self-imposed break from the sport on October 23, pending the conclusion of an investigation by the International Cricket Council.

The governing body reported that Stokell returned an adverse finding on June 23. That date coincided with a match in which Ireland lost to Sri Lanka in Bristol. The specific substance that triggered the positive result has not yet been made public.

Stokell stated that the failed test resulted from the use of prescription medication. She described the substance as “not performance related in any way” but acknowledged that she did not comply with the required regulations.

The 26-year-old accepted the violation before the disciplinary process was completed. She entered the suspension period ahead of the formal findings being released by the ICC.

“I fully accept my mistake and have voluntarily entered into a period of suspension ahead of the findings being returned,” Stokell said. “While this was not performance related in any way, I understand that I am responsible for following the anti-doping guidelines and I hope that I can be back playing for Ireland as soon as possible.”

Cricket Ireland indicated that a longer suspension is likely to follow the failed test. Graeme West, the director of high performance for the national body, said the organization provided support to Stokell. West noted that the incident serves as a reminder to international players that anti-doping rules protect both the sport and the athletes. The team plans to continue educating its players on these standards.

Stokell was able to play in the final group game of the T20 World Cup because her suspension had not yet taken effect. That match marked Ireland’s first win in the tournament. She also appeared in series against the West Indies and England later in the summer.