Two Pakistani cricket players face ban after positive tests

Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif now face two-year bans after they test positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone.

"They have tested positive for using nandrolone, which is a performance-enhancing anabolic steroid," Saleem Altaf, director of cricket operations of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was quoted by Reuters.

Akhtar and Asif, among 19 Pakistan players tested, have been recalled from Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad after positive tests on Monday.

Altaf said the the International Cricket Council anti-doping rules require a two-year ban for a first violation.

"We don't have our own rules on such matters and might follow the ICC regulations," he said.

Source: Xinhua