Zubayr Hamza has received a light sentence from the ICC for using a banned substance.
According to Rapport newspaper, the Proteas batsman has been suspended for just nine months, with the outcome of the case set to be announced next week.
The suspension will be served retroactively from 22 March, which means Hamza can take to the field again in January 2023.
Hamza tested positive for the banned diuretic furosemide on 17 January and went on to play for the Proteas in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch.
Furosemide is not a performance-enhancing drug but is banned because it can be used to mask other substances.
The 26-year-old, who was able to identify how he took the drug, did not dispute the positive test and agreed to a “voluntary suspension” while the case was investigated.
Hamza did not have a trial, with his legal representatives instead making a presentation to the ICC. According to Rapport, they had been hoping for a “light suspension” of between “one year and 18 months”.
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