Rebecca Stokell has voluntarily started a suspension from international cricket, pending the outcome of the disciplinary process, after admitting an anti-doping violation during last summer’s T20 World Cup in England.

Stokell admits she took a prescription medication, which while not performance-enhancing failed the in-competition drug test which returned an adverse finding for a specified substance.

The voluntary suspension ahead of a likely official suspension by ICC, started on October 23, on receipt of the notification from the world governing body.

The game in question was Ireland’s group game against Sri Lanka in Bristol on June 23 when Stokell scored 13 off 12 balls in Ireland’s total of 130 for 5. Sri Lanka won by nine wickets.

Whilst the breach was unintentional, Stokell, who has played 109 games for Ireland, has acknowledged she did not comply with the Regulations.

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. All players must adhere to the standards and responsibilities expected, and we will continue to educate our 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.’

The ICC will not make any further comment until the matter is finally resolved.

Any suspension will almost certainly rule out Stokell from Ireland’s next action, the Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy in Ajman, in the UAE, which is played from November 12-25.

Ireland play Sri Lanka in the opening game with their other group games against UAE (November 13), Papua New Guinea (November 16) and Scotland (November 18).

Defending champions Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Netherlands and Zimbabwe are in the other group.

The top three from each group qualify for the Super Sixes, which begin on November 20, with the teams playing three games against the qualifiers from the other group. The top two will play in the final.