![Rebecca Stokell admitted to an anti-doping violation [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793683534556_RebeccaStokell.jpg?type=hq)
Rebecca Stokell admitted to an anti-doping violation [Source: X]
Ireland batter Rebecca Stokell has found herself facing an unexpected setback following her participation in the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. The 26-year-old has admitted to an anti-doping violation after an issue emerged from a sample collected during the tournament.
The development has prompted the ICC to begin disciplinary proceedings, with Stokell agreeing to a voluntary suspension while the matter is being addressed.
Rebecca Stokell accepts suspension after admitting anti-doping violation
The ICC confirmed on Monday that Stokell had been notified of an alleged breach after a sample she provided during the T20 World Cup returned an adverse finding for a specified substance. The test was conducted on June 23, 2026, when the Irish batter featured against Sri Lanka in Bristol.
Following the notification, Stokell admitted the violation and agreed to a voluntary suspension from October 23, 2026, while the disciplinary process continues.
"Following the receipt of the notification, Stokell has admitted the violation, which arose from her use of prescription medication, and accepted a voluntary suspension effective 23 October 2026 pending the outcome of the disciplinary process," the ICC statement said.
Cricket Ireland described the incident as an "inadvertent breach of the reporting requirements" and maintained that the substance involved was not performance-enhancing.
Stokell also acknowledged her mistake and accepted responsibility for not following the required anti-doping procedures.
"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," Stokell said.
Rebecca Stokell's international career and recent performances
Stokell has been part of Ireland Women's international setup since making her debut in 2017. The batter has represented her country in 29 ODIs and 80 T20Is, establishing herself as a regular member of the side across formats.
Her most recent major assignment was the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, where Ireland managed only one victory in five league matches. Stokell featured in all five matches but had a difficult campaign with the bat, scoring 40 runs at an average of 10. Her highest score in the tournament was an unbeaten 16.
The batter subsequently travelled with the Irish team for their ODI series in England in September, although the hosts completed a 3-0 series sweep. Across her international career, Rebecca Stokell has accumulated 468 ODI runs and 908 T20I runs, including three half-centuries in the 50-over format and one in T20Is.
