SUSPENSION

Shahzad handed 12-month suspension for doping violation

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Shahzad had already been provisionally suspended after his urine sample was found to have a banned substance Clenbuterol © Getty

Mohammad Shahzad, the Afghanistanwicketkeeper-batsman, has been handed a 12-month suspension by the International Cricket Council on Thursday (December 7) for violating an anti-doping rule. Shahzad had already been provisionally suspended after his urine sample was found to have a banned substance Clenbuterol. The substance is prohibited according to WADA both in-competition and out-of-competition.

The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to the charge but was able to convince the ICC that he had taken the substance unintentionally in his bid to reduce weight. Once the ICC was convinced that he had not taken the substance in order to enhance his performance, the 12-month suspension was imposed.

The suspension has been backdated to January 17, 2017, the date of his sample collection, and as a result, he will be eligible to play on January 17, 2018.

"Today's announcement reinforces the ICC's zero-tolerance approach to doping, and reminds all international cricketers that they remain personally responsible for ensuring that anything they eat, drink or put into their bodies does not result in an anti-doping rule violation," Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager - Cricket said.

"It further serves as a reminder to all international cricketers of the dangers and risks associated with taking supplements. Before thinking about taking a supplement, cricketers should weigh up the risks and dangers of doing so and should fully research the supplement in question so they can make an informed decision," he added.

© Cricbuzz

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