South Africa batter Zubayr Hamza has been suspended for nine months by the International Cricket Council after admitting taking heart medication he said he took by accident.
Hamza, 26, told the ICC he thought he was taking his own medication but instead ingested his father’s heart tablets.
Hamza’s ban was backdated to March 22, the date he was provisionally suspended for having the banned diuretic Furosemide in his system.
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His records between January 17, the date he tested positive in an out-of-competition test in South Africa, and March 22 have been disqualified, the ICC said.
In that period he played one Test against New Zealand, scoring 25 and 6.
Hamza admitted the violation, the South African cricket body said.
“I have never intentionally taken a prohibited substance and I am relieved that the ICC determination confirms this fact,” Hamza said.
“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.”
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Hamza has played six tests and one ODI for South Africa. He will be eligible to play again on December 22.
ICC integrity unit general manager Alex Marshall said the case was “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.”
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