English batter Laurie Evans has returned a positive result from a sample sent for anti-doping test during the second edition of The Hundred in August-September 2022. Evans, however, was ‘shocked’ learning about the same as he denied any wrongdoing saying that he has never taken any banned substance.
Evans, who led the Manchester Originals to the final in the absence of regular skipper Jos Buttler, was key to the side reaching the summit clash against the eventual champions Trent Rockets as his 34-ball 72 helped his side knock Eoin Morgan’s London Spirit out in the Eliminator.
In a statement released by the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), Evans said that he was clueless as to how and what caused the positive result in the anti-doping test and will do everything to find out what actually happened.
“I was shocked to be told that an anti-doping sample I provided in August 2022 tested positive for trace amounts of a banned substance.
“I believe passionately in clean sport and I have never taken any banned substances. I do not know what caused the positive test but my team and I are investigating how this could have happened and I am doing everything possible to find out.
“Due to the confidentiality of the process, I cannot say any more at this stage but I would like to thank my family for supporting me at this very distressing time,” Evans said in a statement through PCA
Meanwhile, his Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Perth Scorchers has terminated his contract ahead of the 2022-23 edition of the tournament. Evans was instrumental in Scorchers’ win in the final of BBL 2021-22 where he scored 76* (41) against the Sydney Sixers and even though the club acknowledged that it was disappointed on learning the news of Evans testing positive for the banned substance, the two parties have mutually decided to terminate the contract.
“The club is disappointed to learn of Evans’ positive anti-doping test result relating to a sample provided in August 2022.
“Due to the circumstances the Scorchers, and Laurie and his management have decided to mutually terminate his contract for the 2022-23 Big Bash League season. The club will explore its options to source a replacement player for the tournament,” Scorchers said in a statement.
Evans’ home county, Surrey, has also issued a statement saying that they have learned about the test result and will wait for further investigation to comment on it.
