Surrey batter Laurie Evans has tested positive for "trace amounts of a banned substance" during a routine anti-doping test carried out while he was playing for Manchester Originals in The Hundred.
And in a statement released via the Professional Cricketers' Association, Evans said he was "shocked" by the news and had no idea what caused the positive test. The 35-year-old has become a fixture on the T20 franchise circuit in recent years and has previously been on the fringes of England's white-ball setup.
"I was shocked to be told that an anti-doping sample I provided in August 2022 tested positive for trace amounts of a banned substance," Evans said. "I believe passionately in clean sport and I have never taken any banned substances.
"I do not know what caused the positive test but my team and I are investigating how this could have happened and I am doing everything possible to find out. Due to the confidentiality of the process, I cannot say any more at this stage but I would like to thank my family for supporting me at this very distressing time."
In a separate statement, Surrey said: "Surrey CCC have been made aware that Laurie Evans has returned a positive anti-doping test result, relating to a sample provided in August this year.
"We have been in discussion with Laurie and his representatives and understand he intends to investigate this result. We will make no further comment until the process has concluded."
The ECB work with UK Anti-Doping and take a hard line on those who fail tests, stating in their anti-doping code that "it is each cricketer's personal duty to ensure that no prohibited substance enters his/her body.
"A cricketer is responsible for any prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers found to be present in his/her sample." They also state that a "lack of intent, fault, negligence or knowledge shall not be a defence to a charge".
The most significant penalty for a violation is listed as a two-year ban. Last year Evans scored 290 runs at an average of 24.16 for Surrey in the T20 Blast and 172 runs at 24.57 for Manchester Originals, even captaining them in the final after Jos Buttler suffered a calf injury.
