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Pakistan doping inquiry under way Pakistan doping inquiry adjourned
(about 2 hours later)
A doping tribunal involving Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif has begun in Lahore.A doping tribunal involving Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif has begun in Lahore.
The pair were sent home from the ICC Champions Trophy in India after testing positive for a banned steroid.The pair were sent home from the ICC Champions Trophy in India after testing positive for a banned steroid.
Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam, lawyer Shahid Hamid and doping expert Dr Waqar Ahmed are hearing the case, which could last for up to two weeks.Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam, lawyer Shahid Hamid and doping expert Dr Waqar Ahmed are hearing the case, which could last for up to two weeks.
"I cannot predict any time frame but we will try to reach the conclusion as early as possible," Hamid commented. Shoaib and Asif gave evidence for an hour before the inquiry was adjourned until next Thursday.
When the inquiry is over, the three-man panel will make recommendations to the Pakistan Cricket Board, who will have the final say in the matter. "I cannot predict any time frame but we will try to reach the conclusion as early as possible, " said Hamid, who represented former Test batsman Salim Malik during the match-fixing inquiry five years ago.
When the tribunal is over, the three-man panel will make recommendations to the Pakistan Cricket Board, who have the final say in the matter.
Under International Cricket Council doping rules the penalty for a first doping offence is a ban of two years.Under International Cricket Council doping rules the penalty for a first doping offence is a ban of two years.
However, it is up to the PCB to rule on any suspension, as the test was carried out by them, not the ICC.However, it is up to the PCB to rule on any suspension, as the test was carried out by them, not the ICC.
Traces of nandrolone were found after the two players were tested last month.Traces of nandrolone were found after the two players were tested last month.
Shoaib has already protested his innocence, stating: "I have not knowingly taken any performance enhancing drugs and would never cheat my team-mates or opponents in this way."Shoaib has already protested his innocence, stating: "I have not knowingly taken any performance enhancing drugs and would never cheat my team-mates or opponents in this way."
There has, however, been no public comment from Asif, who has only played six Test matches and, at 23, is eight years younger than his team-mate.There has, however, been no public comment from Asif, who has only played six Test matches and, at 23, is eight years younger than his team-mate.
The pair attended PCB headquarters at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday to give their version of events to the panel. PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf has promised the tribunal will act "impartially and fairly" and will seek a "correct decision", even if it eventually proves to be an unpopular decision as far as Pakistan cricket fans are concerned.
"We will give a fair chance to both players," said Hamid, who represented former Test batsman Salim Malik during the match-fixing inquiry five years ago. He added: "A thorough, independent investigation is being carried out.
The Spots Medicine Association of Pakistan has criticised the PCB for naming Shoaib and Asif as the players involved before the outcome of the inquiry. "They have been accused of testing positive, but we don't know if they took it inadvertently or intentionally."
The International Cricket Council, meanwhile, has praised Pakistan for conducting out of competition drugs tests on its own initiative.The International Cricket Council, meanwhile, has praised Pakistan for conducting out of competition drugs tests on its own initiative.
"Cricket takes its place alongside many other sports where we say in relation to doping and illegal substances we take a zero tolerance position," said chief executive Malcolm Speed."Cricket takes its place alongside many other sports where we say in relation to doping and illegal substances we take a zero tolerance position," said chief executive Malcolm Speed.
"If it is found these players have breached the code it is a disappointing day in cricket but other sports have faced the similar problem.""If it is found these players have breached the code it is a disappointing day in cricket but other sports have faced the similar problem."