English cricketer Graham Wagg was banned for 15 months and fired by his club on Monday after testing positive for cocaine.
Wagg, of English county Warwickshire, was handed the ban by the England and Wales Cricket Board disciplinary committee.
Wagg, who was tested on September 4, was given a reduced sentence because of his age and his apology at a preliminary hearing on September 27, the ECB said.
Wagg, a 21-year-old all-rounder, said then he was ”deeply remorseful and determined to show his employers and cricket fans that he will accept the punishment meted out to him with humility and good grace”.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club said in a statement it fully supported the ECB’s decision but would terminate Wagg’s contract.
”The club is very disappointed that one of its players has tested positive for a banned substance but is pleased to note that he has shown remorse and pleaded guilty to this serious offence,” the club said.
”In the circumstances, the club will be terminating Graham’s contract as soon as is legally practicable. However, it will provide the best possible advice, support and encouragement to Graham during his rehabilitation period.”
Wagg, who toured India with the England ”A” squad last winter, is the second England cricketer to test positive for cocaine.
Ed Giddins was banned for 18 months in 1996 and his contract with Sussex was ended. Giddins resumed his career at Warwickshire and played four tests for England. – Sapa-AP