Netherlands fast bowler Vivain Kingma has been banned by the ICC for breaching the ICC’s anti-doping code after the player tested positive for a drug named Benzoylecgonine.
He has been banned for 3 months from now.
Players, when playing on an international cricket platform, often have to follow certain norms set by the International Cricket Council. One of the most important norms of the ICC is the anti-doping code, under which the Dutchman has been found guilty.
The Dutch cricketer, Vivian Kingma, has played for the Netherlands since 2014 and made his debut against Canada in the 50-over format. While he also made his T20I debut against Scotland in 2016, after missing it in the 2015 T20 World Cup Qualifier.
Vivian Kingma tested positive for doping in the ICC World Cup League 2 phase
The Dutch speedster Vivian Kingma has reportedly been suspended from cricket for the next three months after he was found guilty of breaching the ICC Anti-Doping code. The 30-year-old pacer tested positive for Benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite that is often classified as an abusive drug under the ICC code.
The ICC had conducted the test after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match against the United Arab Emirates in Utrecht on the 12th of May 2025. After conducting the tests, the ICC confirmed that Kingma has been booked under it.
The Dutchman admitted to the offence and has accepted the ban imposed on him by the ICC. However, he has admitted that the consumption was outside of the competition.
ICC takes strict action against a Dutchman for breaching the Code of Anti-Doping
After finding the Netherlands pacer guilty, the ICC announced that a three-month period of ineligibility will have to be served by the player. The impositions will be effective from the 15th of August 2025 and will extend for three months.
In line with the rules, Vivian Kingma’s records from the ODI against the UAE on the 12th of May and the subsequent matches have been disqualified. The ICC has also said that his suspension may be reduced to one month if he completes an ICC-approved treatment program during this period.
The ICC, through this action, has given a clear insight that the Anti-Doping code applies not only to the performance-enhancing drugs but also to any kind of recreational substances, which may be used to maintain discipline in the field.
Vivian Kingma had faced a four-match ban in 2022
Vivian Kingma’s suspension in international cricket has come at a crucial juncture for the Netherlands, as they prepare for a compelling schedule in the international calendar. Kingma can be considered a regular name on the Dutch side since he has represented them in several ICC tournaments.
The Dutchman, who has picked 40 ODI and 24 T20I wickets, previously faced a similar ban back in 2022. The Dutch ODI series against Afghanistan in Qatar marked Kingma’s absence for four matches. He was banned after being found guilty of ball tampering in the third ODI.