ICC President questions Pakistan drug case

DUBAI—The International Cricket Council has criticised the way in which the doping case involving Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif was handled by Pakistan. An appeal tribunal lifted bans imposed on the two fast bowlers after they tested positive for a banned steroid.
But ICC president Percy Sonn said the judgement highlighted “inconsistencies” in Pakistan’s anti-doping processes. A member of the appeals panel also believes the pair should be tested again before they resume their careers. The appeals were upheld by a 2-1 majority, but Dr Danish Zaheer, the panel member who voted against clearing the pace pair, said: “The PCB should set aside all the previous inquiries conducted following the charges against Shoaib and Asif and opt for fresh dope tests.” Shoaib was originally banned for two years and Asif for one year but both claimed the steroid, nandrolone, had been present in supplements they had used. In a 30-page ruling, the panel accepted neither player had knowingly taken drugs.
Commenting on the decision, South African Sonn said: “Cricket has taken significant strides forward in addressing the important issue of drug use in our sport. “However, this judgement emphasises that much more work needs to be done to educate players and to synchronise our members’ efforts to attain a totally drug-free sport.” The appeal committee voted 2-1 in favour of lifting the ban He added: “It is vital that cricket takes heed of the judgement and that the lessons it provides are disseminated amongst all our members. “Of primary importance is that all those members revisit their own regulations and align them both with the ICC’s anti-doping code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) code.”
Pakistan Cricket Board president Dr Naseem Ashraf has insisted his organisation support a tough line towards drugs. “Many lessons have been learned and the PCB stands by its zero tolerance policy regarding the drug abuse and hopes that the theme of ‘playing true’ will be followed by all cricketers in its true letter and spirit,” he commented.—Agencies