ACB wary of banned Warne's activities

The Australian Cricket Board is wary about the potentially thorny issue of what Shane Warne can do during his 12-month suspension.

The ACB will carefully consider any bid from Warne to train with the Victorian state team until February 10 next year, when his ban ends.

Warne announced on Wednesday he would not appeal the suspension for testing positive to banned diuretics.

He added he intended to give it his "best shot" to return to the Test side.

The question now is whether Warne can put this disaster behind him, maintain his motivation and be ready for first-class cricket early next year.

It also remains to be seen exactly what cricket resources he will be allowed to use.

"His suspension means he can't play in any cricket, nor can he hold any office in any cricket," said ACB public affairs manager Peter Young.

"Technically, he can do anything outside that suspension."

When asked if Warne could train with the Bushrangers during his ban, Young replied: "Technically, he's free to do that.

"We'd have to consider that for any policy issue.

"For example, if he was to train with Victoria and got injured, who would be liable?

"During his suspension he's not contracted, so he's not covered by insurance."

Young said it was up to Warne and Channel Nine, where he already holds a contract, whether he became a commentator for the cricket broadcaster in the next year.

Young added Warne would still be subject to random drug tests during his ban.

AFL club St Kilda, where Warne once played in the lower grades, indicated last week it could be interested in giving the leg spinner a consultancy role there.

The league said it would look at the matter if it received a formal request from the club, while Young said: "Our view is it's a matter for them (the AFL)."

Also, the ABC reported Warne's wine venture could be in doubt because of his ban.

Warne had some wines named after him late last year, but it is understood that deal is now under review.

Earlier, World Anti-Doping Agency boss Dick Pound has again attacked Australian cricketers, describing as ridiculous claims that drug information sessions are too difficult to absorb.

Pound said the drug education program for elite athletes does not need to be changed despite claims by Warne and Test captain Steve Waugh that the information was too complicated.

"It's not rocket science to be perfectly candid, you know if you're an elite athlete you've got to be careful with what you take and you know that diuretics are one of the things about which you've got to be careful," Pound told the ABC.

Pound also said Warne's decision not to appeal was the right one, adding the Australian Cricket Board's anti-doping committee would certainly have increased his suspension to two years if he had appealed.