Incidentally, though it is WADA’s job to collect samples — the proper testing is done at accredited laboratories around the world — it actually outsources that job through ‘‘regional agencies’’ or, in one case, to even a private agency which is the IDTM of Sweden.

“The IDTM has had a perfect track record and is extremely reliable,” said Donze. Regional agencies in this part of the world are in Kuwait, Tehran and Bangkok.

On athletes disappearing from training camps just before the arrival of WADA-assigned collectors, Donze said: “We have no reason to believe that there are leaks in the information, because all such collection drives are surprise activities. But the fact that athletes somewhere, somehow go missing, is an issue that is worrying.”

According to IAAF rules, if an athlete misses testing thrice in 18 months he or she is set up for sanction. That is an automatic process and an athlete may run once, or twice, but not the third time. As per international regulations, certain athletes are bound to inform WADA and the international body of his or her whereabouts all the year. Hence when surprise checks are held, the collectors know exactly where to go. This information, of course, has on a regular basis, been leaked to the athletes, who suddenly leave camps for very personal reasons, like ailments at home.

Donze said he was happy that the cricket fraternity too had come up with the Code acceptance but was “amazed” at the speed with which sanctions were made by the Pakistan Cricket Board. But he wasn’t pleased with the idea of a screening procedure before a tournament. “Look, if you are putting your athletes through a dope test before a meet, it’s fine with us. But if it’s a screening, in which doubtful cases are swept under the carpet, it’s not okay,” he said.