DUBAI, Dec 29: Cricket’s governing body has strengthened its anti-doping policy to comply with a new World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code due to come into effect on Thursday.

Consistent with WADA measures, international cricketers will now have to be available for testing at all times and inform the International Cricket Council (ICC) of their movements.

Missing three doping tests in an 18-month period can result in players facing charges.

“This code means it has just become even harder for drug cheats to get away with doping practices and it is part of our continued battle to ensure fair competition for all,” ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said on Monday.

“The code is a living document which is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of cricket and modern sport in general.”

The ICC has followed the WADA code since 2006, and has been drug testing since 2002.

—AP