ICC to conduct targeted dope test during World Cup

Cape Town, Mar 1 (UNI) In the wake of ongoing drug scandal involving Pakistani players Shoaib Ahktar and Mohammed Asif, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to conduct dope test on targeted players for banned substances during the forthcoming World Cup in the Caribbean.

Issuing a warning to the cricketers, ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcom Speed said no replacement would be allowed if a player is caught red-handed with having any banned substance in his system.

''These target tests will be in addition to ICC's commitment to randomly test four players -- two from each side -- in 17 of the tournament's 51 matches and may take place at any point of time from March 2 onwards,'' Mr Speed said.

''If a player is tested positive, he will face charges under the ICC Code of Conduct and it is extremely unlikely that the Tournament Technical Committee would allow for a replacement,'' he added.

Underlying the reasons behind ICC's decision to conduct target tests during the cricket's mega event, the ICC CEO said, ''Both Shoaib Ahktar and Mohammed Asif testing positive for prohibited substances last year has brought a high level of embarrassment to the game and now we want to make it absolutely sure that players, taking part in the forthcoming World Cup, do not bring the game to disrepute any further.'' Mr Speed said once the tournament starts, there will be no replacement for a player if caught red-handed with having any banned substance in his system.

Further commenting on ICC committment towards zero level tolerance of drugs in cricket, the game's international governing body's CEO said, ''ICC is committed to doing everything possible to ensure help to our members in order to educate their players and officials and empower them to introduce a WADA-compliant policy as soon as possible,'' Mr Speed said.

UNI