Hampshire Cricket all-rounder Keith Barker set to return after ‘No Significant Fault’ anti-doping finding

Craig Harris represented Keith Barker before the National Anti-Doping Panel, which found the Hampshire all-rounder bears No Significant Fault or Negligence for an Adverse Analytical Finding relating to the drug indapamide – a diuretic listed on the WADA Prohibited List.  Mr. Barker admitted the charges that were brought against him, but will return to professional play in July following the Panel’s decision.  He may return to training sooner.  The decision was based upon his having been prescribed the drug by his GP and taken it with the knowledge of his club doctor, but before having obtained a Therapeutic Use Exemption.  Indapamide does not have performance enhancing capability and the Panel found that the means by which it entered the player’s system – through voluntary use, as prescribed – was well-established on the evidence.  The period he spent subject to an interim suspension pending resolution of the case (some 9 months) is counted against his resultantly reduced 12-month ban, so that he can be back for this summer.

For more detail, see the NADP decision and Hampshire Cricket’s club statement.

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