Courtney Francis, the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) chief executive officer, says he awaits the disciplinary hearing into Jamaica Anti-Doping Agency’s (JADCO’s) allegations against West Indies cricketer John Campbell before making a detailed comment on the matter.

On Wednesday the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) issued a release stating that, after the preliminary hearing held that morning, a July 19, 2022 date was set for commencement of the disciplinary hearing into the 28-year-old’s alleged anti-doping whereabouts rule violation.

“It is unfortunate that this has happened, but I cannot speak to it. We have to respect the process,” Francis told the Jamaica Observer when contacted Wednesday evening.

“We, at the JCA, are waiting to see the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, and all the evidence that we expect to be presented… and then we can go public if so required,” he said, while confirming the JCA has been in contact with representatives from JADCO, WIPA, and regional governing body Cricket West Indies.

The World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) whereabouts rule states that athletes must make themselves available to drug testers for one hour each day, between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm, 90 days in advance, for out-of-competition testing.

An athlete can be deemed in violation of the rule for failing to file his/her whereabouts on three occasions in a 12-month period.

If found guilty, an athlete could be banned for up to two years.

In 2017 West Indies star all-rounder Andre Russell was banned for one year after he was found guilty of a whereabouts violation.

Campbell, a standout batsman as a national youth player, transitioned to the senior team, making his first-class début for Jamaica against Guyana in 2014. He averages 30.41 in first-class cricket.

The left-handed opener played his first Test for the West Indies in 2019 and, after 20 matches, he averages 26.11 with three half centuries. In last month’s two-Test series victory over Bangladesh the Jamaican showed signs of improvement, averaging 68 with a best of 58 not out.

In six One-Day Internationals for the West Indies, Campbell averages 49.6 with a best of 179 against Ireland.

— Sanjay Myers