Ryder slapped with six-month ban
New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has been banned for six months for failing a drug test earlier this year – and will be available to play again in October, after the retrospective sentence concludes.
New Zealand batsman Jesse Ryder has been banned for six months for failing a drug test earlier this year – and will be available to play again in October, after the retrospective sentence concludes.
Ryder tested positive for two banned substances – 1-Phenylbutan-2-amine (PBA) and N, alphadiethyl-benzeneethanamine (DEBEA) – in March. He was provisionally suspended a month later, but the hearing didn't take place until August.
The 29-year-old could have been banned for up to 24 months, but the Sports Tribunal of New Zealand accepted that there had been no intention to cheat on the part of Ryder, who unknowingly ingested the stimulants via the dietary supplement Gaspari Detonate.
"I'm devastated by this situation," Ryder said in a statement issued by the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association. "I've never taken drugs and to be in this situation distresses me greatly.
"I simply took the supplement alongside a training programme I was completing to help me lose weight. I have attended anti-doping education seminars during my time in cricket and am a strong supporter of Drug Free Sport New Zealand.
"I'm aware of the precautions you need to take. I did take steps to check the supplement but ultimately it was my responsibility and I accept that. While everyone is aware of my well documented battles with alcohol, it's important for me to state that I abhor drug use of any kind, both recreational and performance-enhancing in sport."
The hard-hitting left-hander has not played international cricket since 2012 and, five months ago, was in induced coma after being assaulted outside a Christchurch bar.
Latest
-
News
England Women wrap up 4-1 series victory in New Zealand
Heather Knight top-scored with 35 in England’s chase of 137.
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.