By Stuart Hess
For the first time in the tournament's history, players at this year's Cricket World Cup will be subject to random drug testing, and offenders will be slapped with an automatic two-year suspension.
As part of the International Cricket Council's fight against drugs in the sport it has approached the South African Institute for Drug-free Sport (Saids) to conduct random testing during the tournament.
Unlike sports such as athletics, swimming and rugby, cricket has largely been free of scandal as far as performance-enhancing drugs are concerned, although the anti-corruption unit's report published in 2001 does refer to a "number of allegations" of the unlawful use of performance-enhancing drugs without naming specific instances or players.
On the other hand, there have been many episodes of players partaking in recreational drugs, most notably England all-rounder Ian Botham while on tour to the West Indies in the 1980s and members of the New Zealand side, including the current captain Stephen Fleming, who toured this country in 1994/95 season, who were caught smoking marijuana.
The South African side were also embroiled in minor scandal in the West Indies two years ago when five players - including current World Cup squad member Herschelle Gibbs - and one member of management were caught smoking marijuana.
All were fined R10 000, while Gibbs also went for counselling with former Springbok rugby captain Morné du Plessis as part of his rehabilitation.
It is believed that the ICC's anti-doping code, outlining the punishment as well as the list of banned substances, will be provided to all the players shortly before the tournament.
Saids will also provide all team managers with relevant information on testing procedures as well as the International Olympic Committee's list of prohibited substances.
The United Cricket Board has already included a clause in the contracts of the national side outlining the punishment should they be in breach of its anti-doping code.
Although different sporting codes adopt their own anti-doping policy, the general punishment includes a warning to first offenders, a three-month suspension for using stimulants, a two- year suspension for using steroids, while the most severe punishment is generally a life ban for second offenders.
Two of South Africa's top track and field stars - shotputter Burger Lamprechts and sprinter Adri Schoeman - were both suspended for two years recently after being found guilty of using anabolic steroids.
Tests will be conducted at all venues, which, as part of their upgrades, have all built drug testing facilities.