Ireland Women's Rebecca Stokell has entered voluntary suspension after accepting responsibility for an inadvertent breach of the reporting requirements around the use of prescription medication, Cricket Ireland announced on 2 November 2026. She will remain suspended while she awaits the outcome of an investigation by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
What Was Announced
According to Cricket Ireland, the breach was unintentional and the substance has been acknowledged as non-performance enhancing. The board said Stokell has acknowledged that she did not comply with the Regulations and accepts that the likely outcome will be a suspension from the game.
The key points set out by Cricket Ireland were:
- Rebecca Stokell acknowledges an inadvertent breach of the rules around the use of prescription medication.
- She has entered voluntary suspension ahead of any forthcoming outcomes being handed down.
Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, said: "While we feel very sorry for Rebecca and have provided the level of support appropriate in these circumstances, this incident does serve as a reminder to all our international players that the Anti-Doping Rules are in place to protect both the sport and the athletes themselves."
West added that all players must adhere to the standards and responsibilities expected, and that Cricket Ireland will continue to educate its players regularly on these matters and why they are important.
Stokell said: "I fully accept my mistake and have voluntarily entered into a period of suspension ahead of the findings being returned. While this was not performance related in any way, I understand that I am responsible for following the Anti-Doping Guidelines and I hope that I can be back playing for Ireland as soon as possible."
What It Means
Stokell will not play while the suspension is in place. The ICC investigation will determine the outcome, and Cricket Ireland has not announced the length of any sanction. The board said Stokell accepts that the likely result will be a suspension from the game.
Source: Cricket Ireland release.