NE, Oct 6: Cricket Australia (CA) has welcomed the federal government’s illegal substances policy, announced on Saturday, as being coherent with Australian cricket’s own anticipated approach.

“Our concern is to achieve the appropriate balance between player welfare/rehabilitation; and deterring cricketers from using illicit substances,” said CA Chief Executive James Sutherland. “We have also wanted a policy which is specific to cricket’s circumstances and needs.”

Sutherland said CA consulted with numerous stakeholders for over a year in preparation for a cricket policy on illegal substances.

This included working with medical experts, talking with government officials and extensive consultation with players and their association, the Australian Cricketers’ Association. CA also studied other sports.

Sutherland added the standards supporting CA’s proposed approach had been agreed with a wide range of parties, though a few details were yet to be finalised.—Agencies