Kolkata Knight Riders' left-arm seamer Pradeep Sangwan failed a random dope test during this season's IPL, it was revealed on Thursday. Sangwan, who plays Ranji Trophy for Delhi, becomes the second IPL cricketer after Pakistan speedster Mohammad Asif to have been found guilty of consuming banned drugs.

"Pradeep Sangwan has tested positive for banned substances during the last edition of IPL. The BCCI has already intimated this to the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) in this regard. Traces of banned substances have been found in his 'A' sample," a top board official said.

There was no clarity on the nature of drug used by Sangwan, but according to a TOI source, the positive test could have resulted from the consumption of performance-enhancing agents commonly masked in certain dietary supplements that are available across the counter in the country. The source added that Sangwan may have consumed the same unknowingly after being advised by a trainer at the gymnasium where he works out.

Sangwan is currently in UK, where he is undergoing treatment for a shoulder injury. "We will be getting in touch with Sangwan. He was undergoing treatment (for his injured shoulder) even before the start of last Ranji season, so it (positive test) could well be a result of drugs consumed during this period," said DDCA vice-president Chetan Chauhan, who made it clear that Sangwan would be given a chance to explain his position on the issue and the DDCA will extend full support to the player if he has a valid reason.

"It will be up to the BCCI to take action against Sangwan if found guilty," Chauhan added.

The finger of suspicion points to the IPL, but a KKR source feels that it is unlikely that Sangwan had consumed a banned substance during the T20 meet. "It is very highly unlikely that he had consumed the banned substance during the IPL because we have the best physios and therapists at KKR. They would have surely known if he had taken any such drug," the source said.

"First we need to know whether he had taken a performing-enhancing drug as athletes do, which is unlikely in cricket, or whether it was a drug consumed during his treatment (in the pre-season). It's up to Sangwan to present his case before the BCCI. Further course of action will follow."

The 22-year-old Sangwan, who played a key role in India's U-19 World Cup triumph in 2008, started his IPL career at Delhi Daredevils before being bought by the Knight Riders. In the last two editions of the IPL, he featured in just three matches.

In IPL 6, Sangwan, who hails from Najafgarh, played just two matches for KKR without taking a wicket. Against RCB in Bangalore on April 11, Sangwan leaked 34 runs in two overs as his team was thrashed by eight wickets, while against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Uppal on May 19, Sangwan went for 17 runs in two overs as KKR went down by 5 wickets.

Although the BCCI does not come under the Wada (World Anti-Doping Agency) or its national agency Nada (National Anti-Doping Agency), the cricket body has its own anti-doping unit which tests players during the IPL. It has also introduced random dope testing in domestic cricket.


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