Daijiworld Media Network
London, Jun 24: Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga has been banned for a period of three months for failing a drug test.
The ICC imposed the ban after the cricketer was found guilty of taking a herbal remedy for a shoulder injury during the ICC World Cup, sources said.
ICC clarified that Tharanga had no intention to enhance his sporting performance or hide the use any perfomance-enhancing drug.
Tharanga told reporters that he was sorry for his action and for letting down his supporters in his home country. He hoped that his experience would be a lesson to other cricketers.
He gave the positive sample after Sri Lanka's semi-final win over New Zealand during the World Cup.
The blanket ban has been backdated to May 9 and will last until August 9. He will be allowed to play in the series against Australia which starts from August 10.