Piper has played almost 450 matches during his career

The case was adjourned until 26 May at Piper's request after he appeared before an England and Wales Cricket Board disciplinary panel in Manchester.

Piper tested positive for cannabis during a County Championship match against Glamorgan last month.

The interim ban applies to any match or competition run by the ECB.

It is Piper's second cannabis-related offence - he was banned for one match and fined �500 in 1997.

Born in Leicester, the 35-year-old has spent his entire career with Warwickshire.

He toured India and Pakistan with the England A team in 1994 and 1995 but never achieved senior international recognition.

Anyone using a prohibited substance is likely to suffer very serious penalties ECB anti-doping literature

He is the second Warwickshire player in trouble for failing a drugs test in the space of seven months.

All-rounder Graeme Wagg was suspended for 15 months last October after testing positive for cocaine and his contract was terminated by the club.

In its anti-doping regulations, the ECB states: "We are determined to ensure that drugs do not enter cricket and intend to use all possible powers to achieve this.

"Anyone using a prohibited substance is likely to suffer very serious penalties including being banned from playing for very long periods."