The ICC has confirmed that Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza has been suspended from all cricket-related activities for NINE months. Photo: Backpagepix
Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza has agreed to a voluntary suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance.
The ICC has confirmed that Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza has been suspended from all cricket-related activities for NINE months. Photo: Backpagepix
Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza has agreed to a voluntary suspension after testing positive for a prohibited substance, Cricket South Africa (CSA) sensationally announced on Wednesday.
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Hamza, 26, has played in six Test matches and one one-day international for South Africa.
According to a CSA statement, Hamza tested positive for the substance Furosemide following an International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-doping test on January 17.
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Furosemide is a diuretic, prescribed to treat hypertension and reduce swelling caused by fluid build-up in the body. It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list because of concerns that it may mask other drugs.
A further Google search reveals that: Furosemide is a loop diuretic medication used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. It may also be used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It can be taken by injection into a vein or by mouth.
“Zubayr is not disputing the positive test, is cooperating fully with the ICC and has agreed to a voluntary suspension commencing immediately whilst written submissions are presented to the ICC,” said CSA.
“Furosemide is not a performance-enhancing substance and Zubayr has been able to identify how the substance entered his system.”
Hamza was named in the South African squad for a current one-day series against Bangladesh but withdrew before the series started for what CSA described at the time as “personal reasons”.
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