Perth have axed star Massive Bash League import Laurie Evans after final 12 months’s participant of the ultimate examined constructive to a banned substance in England.
The English batter, who was Perth’s first draft choose as a retention participant, revealed in a single day he had failed a check through the northern hemisphere summer time.
The 35-year-old T20 specialist insisted in an announcement he didn’t know what brought about the constructive studying, adamant he had not taken any banned substance.
However inside hours Perth acted, splitting with the right-hander and beginning their seek for a alternative participant.
“The membership is disenchanted to be taught of Evans’ constructive anti-doping check consequence referring to a pattern offered in August 2022,” the Scorchers mentioned in an announcement.
“As a result of circumstances, the Scorchers and Laurie and his administration have determined to mutually terminate his contract for the 2022-23 BBL season.
“The membership will discover its choices to supply a alternative participant for the event.”
Evans’ check consequence comes as vital blow to Perth given they have been the one staff to not choose up a platinum-level participant within the draft.
Whereas they’re eager to discover a alternative participant earlier than their opener towards the Sydney Sixers on December 17, Evans’ dynamic potential shall be missed.
The globetrotting T20 star performed 15 matches for the Scorchers final season, scoring 361 runs at a strike-rate of 144.40.
He top-scored with an unbeaten 76no off 41 balls as Perth beat the Sixers within the last.
(Photograph by Robert Cianflone/Getty Pictures)
“I used to be shocked to be advised that an anti-doping pattern I offered in August 2022 examined constructive for hint quantities of a banned substance,” he mentioned.
“I consider passionately in clear sport and I’ve by no means taken any banned substances.
“I have no idea what brought about the constructive check, however my staff and I are investigating how this might have occurred and I’m doing all the things doable to seek out out.
“As a result of confidentiality of the method I can’t say any extra at this stage, however I wish to thank my household for supporting me at this very distressing time.”
Evans’ long-term future additionally stays unsure.
The England and Wales Cricket Board’s anti-doping code suggests a comparatively laborious line on constructive assessments, noting “it’s every cricketer’s private obligation to make sure that no prohibited substance enters his/her physique.”
An additional explanatory be aware within the code provides: “For the avoidance of doubt … lack of intent, fault, negligence or information shall not be a defence”.
The best penalty for a doping violation, ought to the case be confirmed and no mitigation efficiently argued, is a two-year ban.
Evans’ exit got here on a horror day for the Scorchers, with fellow English import and third-round draft choose Phil Salt additionally hurting his shoulder within the ODI towards Australia on the MCG.
© AAP
