South Africa batter suspended for using performance enhancers

South Africa batter Zubayr Hamza has been slapped with a nine-month suspension for using Furosemide, a substance used to treat edema and hypertension. The substance was found in his body on January 17 this year during an out-of-competition test conducted at that time. In the period from January 17 to March 22, the right-hander played one Test against New Zealand and two domestic 50-over games for Western Province.

Meanwhile, the World Cricket Governing Body has said that this is a timely reminder for the players of being aware of the substance they consume. The body also said that the players need to ensure they don’t consume any prohibited substance.

“The ICC is committed to keeping cricket clean and has a zero-tolerance approach to doping,” said Alex Marshall, the World Cricket Governing Body General Manager — Integrity Unit. “It is also a timely reminder to all international cricketers that they remain responsible for anything they put into their bodies, to know exactly what medication they are taking so as to ensure it does not contain a prohibited substance and does not result in an anti-doping rule violation.”

On the other hand, the 26-year-old said that he didn’t use the substance intentionally. He added that he is relieved that even the board’s statement also says the same. The Cape Town-born player further added that the last few months have been difficult for him on the professional and personal fronts

“I have never intentionally taken a prohibited substance,” Hamza said in a statement issued by the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), “And I am relieved that the ICC determination confirms this fact. The past few months have been difficult for me on a personal and professional level, and I have learnt lessons that I will share with my fellow players.”