Adeel Raja banned after failing drugs test

Adeel Raja celebrates after dismissing Namibia's captain Deon Kotze in 2003 © Getty Images

Adeel Raja, the Netherlands' offspinner, has been banned for two years after failing a random drugs test during a domestic match in September.

Raja, who has played six ODIs and nine first-class games for Netherlands and was in their World Cup squad earlier this year, tested positive for finasteride, a substance banned as it can be used as a masking agent.

Although it is unclear why the player used the substance, finasteride can be used innocently to combat hair loss.

The Dutch board decided to suspend the second year of the ban for a further two years, meaning that he will miss the entire 2008 season. Cricket Europe reported that Raja had previously successfully applied for dispensation to use the drug but that he had not renewed the application.

Raja, 27, is believed to be lodging an appeal against the ban.