Australia’s fast bowler Megan Schutt has received a two-match suspension from Cricket Australia (CA) due to non-compliance with prescription medication regulations, which were not related to enhancing performance, during a period when competitions were paused.
Schutt, aged 33, will miss the third T20 International against New Zealand as well as the first match of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for Adelaide Strikers. This comes after she accepted her penalty for a one-time incident that took place when the Australian team was in an off-period before their series against Bangladesh.
On Thursday, CA released a statement regarding the situation: “The breach was a failure to adhere to requirements under the Sports Science and Sports Medicine guidelines with regard to prescription medication. This incident occurred out of competition and was not for performance-enhancing purposes. The suspension covers all international and domestic cricket. We will continue to provide appropriate support to Megan and reinforce the standards and responsibilities expected of everyone representing our game.”
Schutt acknowledged the penalty and expressed her remorse, stating, “I fully accept the penalty handed down and apologise for failing to meet the standards expected of me. I’m sorry for the attention this has caused and appreciate the support I’ve received. While this occurred out of competition and was not performance-related, I understand that I am responsible for following the Sports Science and Sports Medicine Guidelines, which players receive regular education on and I should have adhered to these guidelines.”
CA and anti-doping authorities permit the personal use of prescription medications, provided they are not performance-enhancing and adhere to specific personal use guidelines.
During the investigation into her guideline breach, Schutt participated in four matches. She delivered strong performances, including taking 2 for 49 in a WNCL match for South Australia and securing 2 for 19, 4 for 36, and 4 for 16 in the three ODIs against Bangladesh. Although she was available for selection in the first two T20Is against New Zealand, she did not play.
After the investigation concluded, Schutt accepted her suspension and will serve the two-match ban starting with Thursday’s third T20I and Adelaide Strikers’ opening WBBL clash against Melbourne Stars on Saturday, 31 October.
