T20 World Cup 2016: West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell under doping probe might play

The West Indies have received a boost ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, with news emerging that all-rounder Andre Russell could feature in the tournament after it was confirmed that he would not be provisionally suspended over reports that he allegedly violated an anti-doping rule. The 27-year-old who is named in the West Indies squad for the World T20 next week, has reportedly missed three doping tests within a 12-month period and faces a possible two-year ban from cricket if found guilty.

The big-hitting batsman who helped the West Indies win the T20 title in 2012, will have to appear before a hearing on his alleged "anti-doping whereabouts" rule violation, with the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission confirming that he will not be suspended pending a hearing.

"The Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (Jadco) has referred the matter regarding Mr Andre Russell to the independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel," Jadco executive director Carey Brown said, as quoted by The Indian Express.

"The commission is awaiting a date for the hearing. Mr Russell has not been provisionally suspended."

World Anti-Doping Agency rules state that athletes must let their local anti-doping body know where they are for at least one hour a day in order to carry out drug testing. If an athlete misses three drug checks within a 12-month period that counts as a positive test.

Russell, who is a staple of various T20 leagues around the world, helped Islamabad United win the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL), and also plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.