Photo via CricTracker

'I fully accept my mistake' - Rebecca Stokell undergoes voluntary suspension over anti-doping breach

Ireland women’s cricketer Rebecca Stokell has stepped back from the game after an in-competition sample collected on June 23, 2026, tested positive for a Specified Substance under the ICC Anti-Doping Code. The 26-year-old, who has represented Ireland 109 times across formats, confirmed the breach stemmed from an oversight in reporting a prescription medication, not an attempt to enhance performance.

Stokell voluntarily entered a suspension effective October 23, 2026, pending the ICC’s disciplinary process, and expressed full accountability for the lapse in compliance. Her last match for Ireland was an ODI series against England in early September 2026, before the adverse finding was processed.

The ICC has clarified the substance is not performance-enhancing, though administrative failures in reporting remain subject to formal review. Cricket Ireland’s Director of High Performance, Graeme West, emphasized the incident underscores the importance of adhering to anti-doping protocols, even in unintentional cases.

Stokell’s situation mirrors a similar 2026 case involving Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt, who faced a two-match suspension for a comparable reporting oversight.

Up nextCricket· 1h ago

'No one has supported me' - Sarfaraz Khan on not getting regular chances for India in Tests