South Africa have confirmed that their all-rounder Wayne Parnell has been called away from the World Twenty20 to appear in court in Mumbai in relation to "drug-related charges" dating back to his appearance in the 2012 Indian Premier League.
Parnell was one of the players charged after police raided a party in Mumbai in May 2012, when he was playing for the Pune Warriors, although he insists is innocent and has “nothing to hide”.
The 24-year-old, who made an impressive Test comeback for South Africa during their recent home series against Australia, will miss Thursday’s game against the Netherlands, but is expected to be back with the squad before they face England in Chittagong on Sunday.
His manager, Donne Commins, said: “Wayne has been called to appear before the court in India purely for procedural purposes in relation to the courts ongoing administration of the case concerned.
“Our understanding is that there will be no substantive enquiries made of him at the hearing, nor will the matter be progressed otherwise than as a matter of procedure.”
Dr Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, confirmed that the management were aware before the tournament that Parnell would have to leave,
“It’s unfortunate to lose him for a game in the middle of an important tournament but we must respect the law,” he said. Furthermore, Wayne has expressed no wrongdoing so we hope that the case can be concluded as soon as possible.”
Parnell was not selected for South Africa’s opening defeat by Sri Lanka. He has signed for Delhi Daredevils in the 2014 IPL.
