IRELAND CRICKETER REBECCA Stokell has accepted a voluntary suspension after an alleged anti-doping violation at the Women’s T20 World Cup in June.

Stokell’s test on 23 June returned an adverse finding for a specified substance. She admitted the violation, which Cricket Ireland described on Monday as “an inadvertent breach of the reporting requirements around the use of prescription medication”.

“I fully accept my mistake and have voluntarily entered into a period of suspension ahead of the findings being returned,” Stokell said in a statement.

“While this was not performance-related in any way, I understand that I am responsible for following the anti-doping guidelines and I hope that I can be back playing for Ireland as soon as possible.

Stokell’s voluntary suspension came into effect on 23 October, pending the outcome of the disciplinary process. 

The International Cricket Council, which said Stokell’s breach “arose from her use of prescription medication”, said it “will not make any further comment until the matter is finally resolved”.

In a statement of their own, Cricket Ireland said: “Whilst the breach was unintentional and the substance acknowledged as non-performance enhancing, Stokell has acknowledged she did not comply with the regulations and accepts the likely outcome will be a suspension from the game.”

Graeme West, Cricket Ireland’s director of high performance, said: “While we feel very sorry for Rebecca and have provided the level of support appropriate in these circumstances, this incident does serve as a reminder to all our international players that the anti-doping rules are in place to protect both the sport and the athletes themselves.

“All players must adhere to the standards and responsibilities expected, and we will continue to educate our players regularly on these matters and why they are important.”