Player ‘shocked’ at new accusations
PAKISTAN bowler Mohammad Asif is embroiled in yet another doping scandal after it was revealed he failed a random drugs test during the Indian Premier League.
The 25-year-old, who played from the Delhi Daredevils during the tournament, was released from a Dubai detention centre only last month after he was accused of possession of a banned substance.
In a statement released to the media the IPL said: “The Indian Premier League confirms the player in violation is Mohammad Asif.
“It was also checked if Mr Mohammad Asif had applied for and was granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). It was found that Mr Mohammad Asif had not applied for a TUE.
“A note in writing has been sent to the player and his home board and to the franchisee on the findings.”
Asif had hoped to be included in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy team set to held in Pakistan this September.
But that now seems uncertain with the Pakistan Cricket Board confirming Asif may have to explain the latest accusations to an internal anti-doping tribunal.
The player himself however said he was “shocked” at the IPL findings.
“I am shocked and surprised because I was extra cautious and never used any banned substances,” Asif told AFP. “I don’t know what to do. I will decide the next course of action only after consultation with the PCB.”
Asif will now decide whether to request that his ‘B’ sample be sent away for testing.
If that returns positive the case will be handed to the IPL’s three-man drugs tribunal which includes former player Sunil Gavaskar.
In 2006 Asif was banned for one year after testing positive for the banned substance Nandrolone. The ban was subsequently overturned after an appeal.
