South Africa batter Zubayr Hamza has agreed a voluntary suspension from cricket after it was revealed that he had failed an ICC anti-doping test.
In a statement, Cricket South Africa announced that Hamza had tested positive for Furosemide, a prohibited substance under the ICC's anti-doping code. Hamza, 26, made his international debut in 2019 and most recently featured in South Africa's tour of New Zealand in February.
He had been named in the squad for their ongoing tour of Bangladesh but was late withdrawn, with CSA citing 'personal reasons'. However, it has now been revealed that Hamza failed an anti-doping test on January 17 2022.
Hamza is co-operating with the ICC over the positive test and is keen to clear his name. The CSA statement reveals the batter "has been able to identify how the substance entered his system".
It also states he will present evidence to the ICC that there was "no significant fault or negligence" on his part. The statement reads: "Zubayr is not disputing the positive test, is co-operating fully with the ICC, and 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, and 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. CSA, SACA and WPCA are supporting Zubayr in this process, and will continue to do so until the matter is concluded."
Hamza has made seven appearances for South Africa, with six Test caps and one ODI cap. He became the nation's 100 Test player since their readmission and, after returning to the side following a two-year absence, was hoping to become a regular.
He made his ODI debut in November 2021 against the Netherlands and made 56 before the game was washed out by rain. The series was later postponed due to concerns over the Omicron variant.
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