Shahzad banned by ICC for doping breach

Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad has been handed a 12-month backdated ban by the International Cricket Council after pleading guilty to a anti-doping breach.

Shahzad tested positive for clenbuterol last January, a substance that is on WADA’s Prohibited List.

He had been provisionally suspended since April 26 this year and hasn't played any cricket since that date.

Having pleaded guilty to breaching the ICC's Anti-Doping Code, Shahzad's 12-month ban has been backdated to the when the sample was taken, meaning he'll be able to return to playing on January 17 next year, which is just five weeks away. 

In making the decision, the ICC accepted that Shahzad had inadvertently ingested the prohibited substance, as a contaminant of a weight loss product he was taking, Hydroxycut.

In a statement, the ICC said: "Mr Shahzad was able to satisfy the ICC ... that he had no intention to enhance his sporting performance through the use of prohibited substances or to mask the use of another performance enhancing substance."

"Today’s announcement reinforces the ICC’s zero-tolerance approach to doping, and reminds all international cricketers that they remain personally responsible for ensuring that anything they eat, drink or put into their bodies does not result in an anti-doping rule violation," said ICC General Manager – Cricket, Geoff Allardice.

"It further serves as a reminder to all international cricketers of the dangers and risks associated with taking supplements. Before thinking about taking a supplement, cricketers should weigh up the risks and dangers of doing so and should fully research the supplement in question so they can make an informed decision," continued Mr Allardice.

Shahzad, who made his international debut in 2010, has played 58 matches in each of the ODI and Twenty20 formats.

He has scored 1,901 runs in one-dayers with a best score of 131 not out while smashing 1,779 runs in T20 with a high of an undefeated 118.