Shocked Asif denies using banned substances

Lahore, Jul 14 (UNI) Pakistan speedster Mohammed Asif has reacted with disbelief to reports that he failed a dope test during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has denied that he used banned substances during the Twenty20 competition.

''I am shocked and surprised because I was extra cautious and never used any banned substance,'' Asif said.

''I was tested after the semi-final, but I thought the reports might have come earlier and I have cleared the test,'' he added.

Asif, who has been dropped from the 30-man squad for the Champions Trophy, said he will decide on his next course of action after consulting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

''I will decide the next course of action only after consultation with the PCB,'' he stated.

The 25-year-old has been involved in several controversies in his short international career. He was banned in 2006 for one year after testing positive for a banned steroid- a decision which was later overturned.

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