Shoaib may not return: Inzamam

LAHORE—Shoaib Akhtar’s career is probably over if he does not succeed in getting his two-year doping ban reduced, says Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. Inzamam said it would be “very difficult” for the 31-year-old to return after such a long time out.
“It would be difficult for anyone who is 30-plus and out of the games to come back, not just him,” Inzamam said. “I know (Australia’s) Shane Warne was older, but he was only banned for a year and it is easier for spinners.”
Shoaib was handed a two-year ban last week after testing positive for the banned steroid nandrolone. He has yet to launch an appeal, although he has said he will, a view Inzamam backed.
To win Test matches you need strike bowlers who will take wickets, so we are in serious trouble Fellow fast bowler Mohammed Asif, banned for a year at the same time for the same offence, launched his appeal on Monday.
Inzamam acknowledged the players were unlikely to be available for the World Cup in March next year even if their bans were reduced. Writing in his column on the bigstarcricket.com website, Inzamam blamed the positive tests on a lack of understanding of doping issues in Pakistan.
“It’s very difficult to know about these things in Pakistan,” he said. “There is no awareness about the medicines. I think this is the reason why they have taken the banned substance.
“Asif, especially, has never been to a doping lecture.” Inzamam said the bans were a “big loss” to Pakistan ahead of their series against West Indies, which starts this weekend, and next year’s tour of South Africa.
“They are special bowlers. We will still go into all our matches with the belief we can win - especially the World Cup. This decision will hurt us more in the Test matches.
“To win Test matches you need strike bowlers who will take wickets, so in this department we are in serious trouble.”
Inzamam said the team now had only two strike bowlers, Danish Kaneria and Umar Gul, saying Mohammad Sami had “everything a fast bowler would want, apart from confidence”.—Agencies