Cricket South Africa (CSA), on Wednesday, revealed that batter Zubayr Hamza has voluntarily accepted a ban after testing positive for a prohibited substance. Hamza, who is 26 years old, has appeared in six Tests and one one-day international for Proteas.

According to a statement from the CSA, Hamza tested positive for the drug Furosemide on January 17 during an anti-doping test conducted by the International Cricket Council.

Furosemide is a diuretic that is used to treat high blood pressure and reduce swelling caused by excess fluid in the body. Because of fears that it could conceal other drugs, it is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list.

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"Furosemide is not a performance-enhancing substance and Zubayr has been able to identify how the substance entered his system. Zubayr is not disputing the positive test, is cooperating fully with the ICC and has agreed to a voluntary suspension commencing immediately whilst written submissions are presented to the ICC," said CSA in their statement.

Hamza was named in the South African team for the current one-day series against Bangladesh, however, he withdrew before the series began due to "personal reasons," according to the CSA.

(AFP inputs)