Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad suspended for doping violation

What's the story?

Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad today received a suspension from the ICC after he was found to have taken a substance prohibited under the organisation's Anti-Doping code.

Shahzad will be suspended from all cricketing activities for a period of twelve months, the ICC said, after he pled guilty.

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Shahzad was tested out of competition in Dubai in January earlier this year, with the sample provided testing positive for banned substance clenbuterol.

Clenbuterol is a known broncho and vaso-dilator, and is commonly used by people suffering from breathing disorders, asthma, bronchitis and other related issues. It is prohibited not just by the ICC's code but also under the rules of WADA, or the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The details

Shahzad claimed that he took clenbuterol "inadvertently" as part of a fat-cutter/weight loss product he was taking, called Hydroxycut. He was able to provide enough evidence to the court that he did not take it intentionally, but as a substance he did not know was contained in his weight-loss supplements.

However, he accepted that he had "failed to live up to his personal responsiblity" as an international cricketer, and accepted the 12 month ban.

Author's Take

While the ICC found Shahzad's evidence satisfactory, there have been multiple cases of athletes taking prohibited or banned substances that could enhance performance, under the pretext of taking medication.

Former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova also saw a ban, for taking banned substance meldonium. Like Shahzad, Sharapova too claimed that meldonium had been part of heart medication she was taking - and like him, saw her ban reduced.

Given that clenbuterol is used in the aid of those with breathing issues, making breathing easier could be seen as an advantage in gameplay.

The ICC having cleared him, however, means he has been exonerated of the intent to take the substance.

What's next?

Shahzad will will not be out of action until the end of 2018, as the ICC verdict might suggest, as the ban has been backdated to the 17th of January, 2017, the date his sample was collected.

Afghanistan are currently playing Ireland in Sharjah. Interestingly, by the time Shahzad is able to return to cricket, the team will be playing Zimbabwe in the UAE in early February of 2018 - likely the first series that he will be able to play after his suspension has been served.