PCB bans Abdur Rehman for indefinite time period

The Pakistan Cricket Board has banned Test player Abdur Rehman for indefinite time period after England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) banned the left-arm spinner for three months for taking a prohibited substance, cannabis in a test conducted during an English county match in August.

"He is out of champions league and cannot play any level of domestic cricket," a spokesman of PCB said here today while reacting to the ban imposed Rehman by the ECB.

Rehman will be suspended until midnight of December 21. He has already been withdrawn from the Sialkot Stallions squad for the Champions League Twenty20, which begins on October 9 in South Africa.

"We have asked the ECB to send us all the details and information regarding his case and once we get all the documents we will decide his case. Till then he is banned to play cricket," the spokesperson was quoted as saying by the 'Associated Press of Pakistan'.

The ECB had slapped the ban on Rehman, who play for Somerset in English County Championship, under its anti-doping rules. The penalty is binding on all countries signed up to the World Anti-Doping Code.

The sample that tested positive for cannabis was provided by Rehman on August 8 during the County Championship match between Somerset and Nottinghamshire.

"I apologise to my family, the PCB, the ECB, Somerset County Cricket Club, my team-mates and my fans. It was an error of judgement on my part that will cost me dearly and I would like it to be a lesson to all others in sports elsewhere," Rehman said.

"I will do my best to stay fit and focussed during my suspension, and, god-willing, will be available for selection for the India series should the PCB see it fit," he added.

Somerset chief executive Guy Lavender said the club supported the ECB's decision.

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