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
James Anderson reveals nerves on Test return
The England seamer added to his 600 wickets as Sri Lanka finished day one on 229 for four in Galle.
-
News
Alex Hales hits blistering Big Bash century
Hales has been in international exile since a second recreational drug test failure on the eve of England’s triumphant World Cup campaign.
-
News
Angelo Mathews century repels England after James Anderson’s three-wicket burst
The 38-year-old finished with exemplary figures of three for 24 on a surface offering precious little encouragement.
-
News
Shubman Gill learned backfoot game with ‘1500 short balls every day’
Shubman Gill impressed with his technique against short-pitch bowling, and his father has said he honed those skills during practice.
-
News
Sri Lanka steady ship after James Anderson takes three wickets in Galle
The home side reached 155 for three at tea, with England’s record wicket-taker responsible for all three dismissals.
-
News
CSA confident Australia tour will go ahead
CSA is confident the scheduled Australia tour to the country will take place despite the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in South Africa
-
News
James Anderson at the double on day one in Galle
Sri Lanka may have feared a repeat of their dismal 135 all out from last week.
-
News
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
Jos Buttler will return home after the first Test as England seek to keep players fresh, while Ollie Pope will return when fit.
-
News
World Test Championship: Which countries are in the running for Lord’s final
The ICC World Test Championship final is set to be held at Lord’s in June, completing a two-year cycle of the inaugural tournament.
-
News
Klaasen named skipper of Proteas T20 squad for Pakistan series
South Africa named a much-changed squad for the T20I series that follows the two Tests in Pakistan.