England Star Banned From Cricket For Three Months Over Betting Offences

England paceman Brydon Carse has been banned from all cricket for three months for betting violations, it was announced Friday. The 28-year-old, who was called into England's 50-over World Cup squad six months ago, was given a 16-month sanction -- 13 months of which have been suspended -- following an anti-corruption investigation by the English game's Cricket Regulator. Carse, who signed an England central contract in October, accepted the charges of placing 303 bets on various cricket matches between 2017 and 2019, though not on games in which he was playing.

As a result, the Durham quick still contravened integrity rules meaning no "professional participant" (player, coach or other support staff) is permitted to bet on any cricket anywhere in the world.

South Africa-born Carse, a veteran of 17 white-ball internationals for England, will now be suspended immediately from playing in any cricket until August 28.

But provided he does not commit any further anti-corruption offences over the next two years, Carse will not face any further sanctions.

"Whilst these bets were several years ago, that is no excuse and I take full responsibility for my actions," Carse said in a statement on Durham's website.

"I would like to thank the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board), Durham Cricket and the PCA (England's Professional Cricketers' Association) for their support during this difficult time for me.

"I will be working hard in the next 12 weeks to ensure that I repay that support on the field when I am able to return to playing."

An ECB spokesperson said: "We take these matters extremely seriously and do not condone any form of anti-corruption breach in cricket.

"We support the Cricket Regulator's decision and their consideration