PCB rejects Asif's plea for relaxation

Lahore, Nov 11 (UNI) Pakistan Cricket Board has turned down the plea of banned fast bowler Mohammad Asif for a relaxation in his suspension from all forms of cricket.

Speaking to mediapersons, a senior PCB official said an application sent by Asif to the Board to allow him some relaxation in the ban imposed on him for a doping offence, which was discussed in the governing body meeting yesterday, but was turned down as his case is awaiting hearing in both Indian Premier League (IPL) Drugs Tribunal as well as board's special committee.

''His request has been rejected as not only is his case pending with the IPL drugs inquiry tribunal but also with the special committee formed by the PCB,'' the official said.

The pacer was suspended by the PCB few months back after he tested positive in a dope test carried out during the semifinal of the Indian Premier League in June.

His 'B' sample test also came positive, but in both the tests the amount of banned substance found in his urine sample differed.

The right-arm bowler was also spent 19-days in detention in Dubai in June while returning to home after playing in the IPL, as authorities allegedly found a substance containing opium in his wallet at the international airport. He was, however, released without being charged for any offence.

This is, however, not the first time, earlier in 2006, Asif and his colleague pacer Shoaib Akhtar were pulled out the Champions Trophy after both tested positive for nandrolone during the PCB's internal testing.

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