India opener Prithvi Shaw has been handed an eight-month ban from all forms of competitive cricket for failing a dope test, the BCCI said.
The 19-year-old who played two Test matches against the West Indies in 2018, is currently undergoing rehabilitation for an injury. He tested positive for terbutaline during the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Tournament in February.
Along with Shaw, two other domestic players – Akshay Dullarwar of Vidarbha and Divya Gajraj of Rajasthan – have also violated the cricket board's anti-doping code.
"Prithvi Shaw, registered with Mumbai Cricket Association, has been suspended for doping violation. Mr Shaw had inadvertently ingested a prohibited substance, which can be commonly found in cough syrups," the BCCI said in a statement.
The release stated that on 16 July, Shaw was “charged with commission of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation” and “provisionally suspended pending determination of the charge.” In response, Shaw admitted the violation, but asserted that it was inadvertent.
“Mr Shaw responded to the charge by admitting the ADRV but asserting that it was inadvertent, being caused by his ingestion of the over the counter cough syrup he had taken for his cough,” the release said.
Satisfied with his explanation that the drug had not been taken to enhance his performance, the BCCI agreed that a period of ineligibility of eight months should apply, together with disqualification of certain results.
The cricket board’s statement clarified that Shaw may return to train with his State team and/or to use the facilities of any club or other member organisation of the BCCI after midnight on 15 September.
Shaw's period of suspension is eight months, starting from 16 March to 15 November, effectively ruling him out of India's home series against Bangladesh and South Africa.
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