"The positive test relates to the substance Furosemide"
South African Test batsman Zubayr Hamza has been suspended from cricket after failing a doping test.
Under the ICC anti-doping code, Zubayr tested positive for furosemide, a banned substance.
Whilst Zubayr Hamza is fully cooperating with the ICC, he has taken voluntary suspension as submissions will be put to the governing body.
Zubayr is not challenging the drugs test failure. He is handling the situation with maturity.
The relevant authorities are backing him whilst the matter concludes.
A Cricket South Africa statement confirmed, “that Proteas player, Zubayr Hamza has tested positive for a prohibited substance under the International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-doping code.”
The statement continues with more specific details, mentioning:
“The positive test followed an ICC anti-doping test on 17 January 2022.
“Zubayr is not disputing the positive test, is co-operating fully with the ICC.
“[He] has agreed to a voluntary suspension commencing immediately whilst written submissions are presented to the ICC.
“The positive test relates to the substance Furosemide, which is not a performance-enhancing substance.”
“Zubayr has been able to identify how the substance entered his system.”
“The process to follow will entail presenting evidence that there was no fault or negligence, or no significant fault or negligence on the part of Zubayr.
The conclusion of the statement further adds:
“CSA, SACA and WPCA are supporting Zubayr in this process and will continue to do so until the matter is concluded.”
Zubayr Hamza made his Test debut versus Pakistan a Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium in 2019.
He was the 100h Test player to make his debut for the Proteas, following South Africa’s return to cricket.
Zubayr made a decent 41 off sixty-eight balls in this Test match which South Africa comfortably won by 107 runs.
He played a further five Test matches, which included one fifty-plus score.
Zubayr went on to make his One Day International (ODI) debut against the Netherlands.
The match took place at Supersport Park Cricket Stadium, Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa on November 26, 2021.
He made 56 off seventy-nine balls in the game, which eventually had no result. The game was a washout due to rain.
Despite Zubayr being suspended, it is not all doom and gloom. With it not being a performance-enhancing drug, he has a realistic chance of returning to cricket at some point soon.
Though, this suspension remains a big wake up call for Zubayr Hamza and others to be careful of what they intake.
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