BBL - Scorchers v Stars
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 11: Laurie Evans of the Perth Scorchers $50 during the Men's Big Bash League match between the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Stars at GMHBA Stadium, on January 11, 2022, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
BBL - Scorchers v Stars

The star of Perth Scorchers' BBL victory in 2021/22, Laurie Evans, has had his provisional suspension lifted after testing positive for a banned substance.

Ahead of the previous Big Bash League season, Evans was expected to play a major role for the Perth Scorchers after a clinical performance in the BBL 2021/22 final.

However, before the season could begin, the English import's contract was terminated after testing positive for a banned substance.

Although he strenuously denied those claims, he was ruled out of playing cricket anywhere in the world, including Australia and the Abu Dhabi T20.

Evans will make his comeback for Surrey in the Vitality Blast at the end of May after not playing since September 3.

An English Cricket Board spokesperson spoke to ESPNcricinfo in regard to his availability.

"The National Anti-Doping Panel has ruled that a Provisional Suspension imposed on Laurie Evans on 1 November 2022, in respect of an alleged anti-doping rule violation under the ECB Anti-Doping Rules, is lifted with effect from 21 March 2023," they said.

"Consequently, Mr Evans is eligible for The Hundred Draft tomorrow and to play cricket pending the conclusion of the anti-doping proceedings against him."

Although he is free to resume his cricket career effective immediately, he has not been absolved of all the charges and will face a hearing later this year.