Rehman banned over positive drugs test

Somerset spinner Abdur Rehman has been served with a 12-week suspension by the England and Wales Cricket Board after testing positive for cannabis.

The 32-year-old Pakistan international failed a drugs test following Somerset's LV= County Championship game with Nottinghamshire on August 8.

His ban will run through to December 21, meaning he is unable to fulfil his Champions League Twenty20 commitments with Sialkot.

"Somerset County Cricket Club fully supports the action taken by the ECB," said Somerset chief executive Guy Lavender.

"The club does not condone the use of illegal drugs in any circumstances and all Somerset players are made fully aware of this policy on a regular basis."

Rehman is well known to English fans after terrorising their Test team in their series loss to Pakistan in January.

He took 19 wickets across three matches, pushing his total in Tests to 81 in 17 at an average of 28.

"I apologise to my family, the PCB, the ECB, Somerset County Cricket Club, my team-mates and my fans," he said.

"It was an error of judgement on my part that will cost me dearly and I would like it to be a lesson to all others in sports elsewhere.

"I will do my best to stay fit and focussed during my suspension, and God-willing, will be available for selection for the India series should the PCB see it fit for me to be selected."