PCB to shell out extra bucks for Shoaib, Asif dope tests

Lahore, Feb 19 (UNI) In a bid to allow Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif some extra time to get rid of traces of nandrolone in their blood, the Pakistan cricket Board will pay extra money to the Malaysia-based WADA-accredited laboratory to fast forward the dope tests of their World Cup bound players.

The PCB is in no mood of taking chances with Shoaib and Asif, and the latest move is aimed at making sure that the two pacers don't get caught again.

According to a report in 'The News', the results of the dope tests of the Pakistan players will be known within 48 hours of testing, giving Shoaib and Asif a week's extra time to get rid of any banned substance in their blood before samples are collected.

The PCB will be shelling out some extra money to get the results faster.

''...it is quite substantial,'' a PCB official was quoted as saying by 'The News'.

''I believe the two players would get one more week before their urine samples are collected and sent to Malaysia for the dope tests.

It would allow them some extra time which may help them pass the test,'' he added.

Shoaib and Asif's samples will be collected on February 26. The rest of the squad has already been tested with the exception of all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who is currently playing charity cricket abroad. Afridi's samples will be collected in the next two days.

Shosib and Asif had tested positive for nandrolone during last year's Champions Trophy and experts have already warned that a second positive result may spell the end of the pace duo's career.

UNI