Pakistan has banned opener Ahmed Shehzad for four months after failing in a dope test during the Pakistan Cup. The ban is effective from July 10, 2018 meaning he can return to cricket on November 11, 2018. Till then he is provisionally suspended from participating in all forms of cricket.
“A four (04) month period of ineligibility, commencing from the date of his Provisional Suspension, i.e. 10th July 2018, has been imposed on Shehzad,” a PCB release said. “Additionally, as a part of his rehabilitation process ,Ahmad shall also deliver lectures on anti-doping to such audiences and at such places as the PCB may require.”
My doping case verdict is acceptable to me. I accept the sanction handed out by PCB. I inadvertently consumed a medicine which as an experienced cricketer I should have refrained from. I am fully committed to returning to cricket as soon as my ban is over (November 11, 2018.)
— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) October 5, 2018
PCB has found that Shehzad had no intention to cheat and the samples collected on may 3rd were found to be h aving a prohibited substance. Shehzad went on to play agains Scotland on June 12 and 13 even though the report was received by PCB on June 11.
“PCB has a zero tolerance policy towards doping in cricket and hopes that in future cricketers will exercise utmost care to ensure that no Prohibited Substances enter their system.” the PCB statement quoted board chairman Ehsan Mani.
