PCB tribunal charges 2 bowlers violating doping policy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tribunal has formally charged speedsters Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif of violating board's doping policy and has asked them to submit their written replies with the tribunal in its next hearing schedule to be held on Oct. 26, The News reported on Sunday.

"Both fast bowlers who were tested positive of using the performance enhancing drugs were charged with violation of Board laid down policies against the use of drugs. They were asked to submit in writing replies with the commission," an official of the Board said.

Barrister Shahid Hamid who chaired the tribunal meeting that heard both players for well over three hours later said, "The players have been shown reports of their tests."

The two-member tribunal that also included former Test cricketer Intikhab Alam heard both players separately and handed over the charge sheet.

"Though both narrated their side of stories separately, they were given the charge sheet and have been asked to submit in writing report in the next meeting scheduled to be held in Lahore on Thursday," a PCB official said.

Shoaib and Asif were called back from Champions Trophy after the PCB surprisingly went public on their positive tests conducted almost three weeks before the team's departure for the Champions Trophy.

The tribunal formed to suggest penalty against players is expected to finalize their findings in two weeks.

However, Shahid Hamid said, "I can not predict any time frame but would try to reach the conclusion as early as possible. We will give fair chance to both the players and then submit our report to the PCB."

Both players have pleaded their innocence and requested for B sample, according to the report.

"I do not know why this happened. I have done nothing intentionally," Asif was quoted to have said.

A Board spokesman stated earlier that both players will have the opportunity to get their B samples tested after the tribunal hearings. The B sample is still with the laboratories.

Source: Xinhua