Dubai, Dec 7 (PTI) The International Cricket Counciltoday suspended Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman MohammadShahzad for one year after he pleaded guilty for failing adope test.
"The wicketkeeper-batsman had inadvertently ingested theprohibited substance, as a contaminant of a weight lossproduct he was taking, Hydroxycut," the ICC said in astatement.
The 29-year-old Shazad, who has played 58 ODIs and asmany T20s for his country, breached article 2.1 of the ICCAnti-Doping Code.
"Mr Shahzad had provided a urine sample as part of theICC's out-of-competition testing programme in Dubai, UAE, on17 January 2017," the ICC stated.
His sample was subsequently tested and found to containclenbuterol. Clenbuterol is classified as a non-SpecifiedSubstance by WADA and is prohibited both in-competition andout-of-competition.
"Mr Shahzad admitted the violation and a twelve-monthsuspension has been imposed, backdated to 17 January 2017, thedate of his sample collection. Mr Shahzad will, therefore, beeligible to return to cricket on 17 January 2018," the ICCsaid.
The ICC, however, accepted Shahzad's explanation that hehad inadvertently ingested the substance, as a contaminant ofa weight loss product he was taking, Hydroxycut.
"Mr Shahzad was able to satisfy the ICC through evidenceand submissions prepared on his behalf that he had nointention to enhance his sporting performance through the useof prohibited substances...," the ICC said.
ICC General Manager (Cricket) Geoff Allardice said theworld body has zero tolerance for doping violations.
"It further serves as a reminder to all internationalcricketers of the dangers and risks associated with takingsupplements," Allardice said.
"Before thinking about taking a supplement, cricketersshould weigh up the risks and dangers of doing so and shouldfully research the supplement in question so they can make aninformed decision," he added. PTI PMPM.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.