PCB undecided over Asif's fate for failing dope test second time

Lahore, Jul 15 (UNI) After the beleaguered fast bowler Mohammad Asif was tested positive for doping, PCB said the pacer would be given a fair chance to challenge his sample 'B' and the verdict but considering his past record the board could also end his fairly promising career.

''The PCB has informed Asif about his positive dope test with the advice that it is up to him to challenge the B sample and the verdict,'' PCB Director Cricket Operations (DCO) International, Zakir Khan told mediapersons last night.

''Asif has replied that he will consult his friends and well wishers and take a decision in next couple of days,'' Zakir added.

Earlier yesterday, the IPL chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi confirmed that Asif, who represented Delhi Daredevils in the Twenty20 tournament in India, was the player who failed the dope test.

However, Dr Meesaq Rizvi, a medical expert on doping, said the organisers were required to wait for 20 days after receiving the results of the samples before announcing it.

Meesaq said Asif could face a minimum of two year suspension and a maximum of life ban.

''His first positive dope test in 2006 will not really count since the case did not come under WADA's jurisdiction at that time.

''The world anti-doping body will consider it this as Asif's first offence but the PCB is also in a position to impose life ban on the bowler,'' Meesaq said.

This is the second time in two years that Asif has tested positive, both occasions relating to the ICC Champions Trophy.

In the last Champions Trophy held in India in October 2006, Asif and fellow pacer Shoaib Akhtar were tested positive for banned substance nandrolone.

Zakir, who was possibly the only key official available in the PCB headquarters to speak on the issue, said he tried his best to bring the entire situation to the notice of Chairman Nasim Ashraf, but he was busy in few meetings in London.

Meanwhile, Zakir said the board would take time to decide the future course of action considering the technicalities involved in the issue.

''A lot of technicalities are involved in the case, therefore, it is not appropriate to speak more on the issue. We are expecting the details in some time,'' Zakir said.

Asif also made headlines last month when he was detained at the Dubai airport for 19 days for allegedly carrying banned substance in his wallet while returning home from India.

PCB had set up an inquiry committee to look in to the matter but even before the probe could be started, Asif landed in even bigger trouble which could ruin his international career.

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