Proteas all-rounder Wayne Parnell has moved to set the record straight after reports surfaced that he was detained and drug tested after a police raid on the Oak Woods Hotel in Juju, Mubai, where he was participating in the IPL.
Said Parnell: “Myself and Rahul (Sharma) were invited to a friend’s birthday party and we arrived at the hotel at around 5.30pm. We had planned on leaving the party at 8pm to get some dinner and at around 7pm the raid happened.
“We were not aware of a Rave or of any drugs being taken, the party was on the pool terrace so it was very relaxed.
“We were sent to a hospital in Mumbai where blood and urine samples were taken, all those present at the gathering, approximately 80 people, were also tested.
“At no stage was I arrested or detained, I was calm because I knew that I didn’t do anything wrong, I was at the wrong place at the wrong time, my main aim was to co-operate with the police.
“As International cricketers we get tested regularly for drugs as part of World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) so I am confident that nothing will show up in my urine and blood tests.
Proteas Team Manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: “Wayne is fine and in positive spirits, we just hope that the process can be handled as quickly as possible so that he can return home.
“For now the process is in the Indian Police’s hands as we await the results of the respective tests and Wayne has offered his full co-operation with the police should they need any further information.”
Pune Warriors have not qualified for the play-offs of the 2012 Indian Premier League (IPL) and Parnell had initially planned on staying in India for an extended holiday after the tournament.
Parnell will not be making any further comments on this issue. – Cricket South Africa