Monday, December 18, 2006

ICC backs WADA on Shoaib, Asif dope case

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council backed Monday WADA's appeal to CAS to reinstate doping bans on Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had banned Akhtar for two years and Asif for one on Nov. 1 after they tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone. But an appeals tribunal overturned the decision on Dec. 5.

ICC chief executive officer Malcolm Speed said his organization will offer WADA its full support.

"Our lawyers have examined the finding of the Pakistan appeals panel and do not believe the ICC has a right of appeal, but we will cooperate with WADA and provide it with any assistance it requires," Speed said.

The World Anti-Doping Agency will argue to the Court of Arbitration of Sport that Pakistan is a full member of the ICC, which signed up to its code in July.

Speed also said target testing will be implemented for the World Cup starting in March.

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