The Indian Premier League's (IPL) image again took a beating as Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Pradeep Sangwan, who plays for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy, tested positive during the recently concluded sixth edition of the cash rich Twenty20 league.

 

IPL authorities Thursday have informed the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) about the player's A sample testing positive. The left-arm pacer is the second cricketer after Pakistan's Mohammad Asif to fail a dope test in the IPL.

 

DDCA's joint secretary Ravi Jain told IANS that the left arm pacer has tested positive."Pradeep has tested positive. There were traces of banned substance in his A sample," said Jain.

 

Jain stressed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has zero tolerance towards doping and the player's B sample has been sent for testing.

 

However, it was still not sure whether the cricketer would be provisionally suspended immediately since the BCCI doesn't come under the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) or its national subsidiary NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency).

 

"We are not sure what steps will be taken against Sangwan, but the BCCI has zero tolerance towards doping," Jain added.

 

Sangwan is now in Britain for a shoulder surgery.

 

The 22-year-old Sangwan, was a part of the victorious U-19 World Cup team in 2008. He has 123 wickets in 38 first class matches for Delhi. Sangwan, who hails from Najafgrah, has been playing for Kolkata Knight Riders during the last two editions of the IPL.

 

Last season, he just played matches against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

 

The world of cricket has witnessed case of doping in the past. Shane Warne tested positive for a banned diuretic before the 2003 World Cup while Pakistani pace duo Shoaib Akhtar and Asif failed dope tests in 2006 before the Champions Trophy in India.

 

 –Indo-Asian News Service