Asif fails dope test - IPL blemished with doping
Asif tests positive for contraband substance
IPL Commissioner Mr. Lalit Modi has confirmed in a press statement that Pakistani speed star Mohd. Asif who played for the Virender Sehwag led Delhi Daredevils has tested positive for a banned substance. Samples were collected on a random basis during the latest T 20 extravaganza IPL. The test conducted by an independent Swedish agency approved by WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) for dope test has revealed in its result that Mohd. Asif’s A sample has already tested +ve for a banned substance. On further enquiring into the depth of the matter it was seen that he (Asif) have not filed any TUE(Therapeutic Use Exemption) to the IPL , for any such drug.
A, B sample test can be asked for by Asif and he along with an IPL representative can be present during the testing procedure. Meanwhile Asif who now seems to be in grave trouble has denied all charges. He said in a press statement in Islamabad that he is astonished at the findings of the agency. He said that he has never used any performance enhancing substance and has always been very particular about the fact that he never took any such substance.
Asif if found guilty this time faces a life time ban. He along with fellow Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar had tested +ve for Nandrolone in 2006 and were withdrawn from the Champions Trophy held in India. But the PCB was lenient with him last time and let him off easily with a warning. But this time round the PCB wants to wash their hands of him and has presently suspended him from the board’s list of contracted players.
Board chairman Nadeem Ashraf informed the media in a press conference that as of now Asif is suspended from the list of players contracted by the PCB. Asif meanwhile said that he is very confused as to what he should do but he will consult the board and surely go for a B sample testing. He also said that he is confident that he will come out with a clean chit if there is justice.
Asif first came under the scanner in June 2008 while returning to Pakistan via Dubai he was detained there by the authorities at the airport for the possession of a banned substance, found in his wallet. But the PCB played a truce broker and bailed him out of the mess. With Pakistan’s failing bowling line up, it was but natural for the PCB to act in this way. The authorities in Dubai for possessing opium detained him. But the public prosecutor had to drop the case because the quantity of opium found was too little to charge him. He was on his way back home from IPL.
What happens next is what time can tell. As of now Asif has joined the league of bad boys of Pakistan cricket with some fellow compatriots. And this stain of doping has tarnished the first edition of the T 20 extravaganza IPL
A notice has been sent to the player in person his home board the PCB and the franchisee that contracted him in the IPL - Delhi Daredevils. If he does not opt for a B sample than he will be headed to the three member drug tribunal of IPL headed by Sunil Gavaskar.
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