Asif Banned by Pakistan Cricket Board

The Pakistan Cricket Board has suspended bowler Mohammad Asif after he tested positive for a banned substance in an Indian Premier League (IPL) game. "In line with our anti-doping policy, we have suspended Mohammad Asif with immediate effect," said PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi. Asif has asked for his 'B' sample to be tested and is awaiting the results.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped the paceman from the list of probables for the Champions Trophy and, if the positive result is upheld, the 25-year-old could face a ban from future IPL seasons. Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB's chief operating officer, told reporters that Asif would not play for his country "until the matter is resolved". "He will have the right to appeal under the International Cricket Council's anti-doping regulations," he added. "The PCB will offer all the assistance to the IPL drugs tribunal and implement its findings." Only last month Asif, who played for the Delhi Daredevils during the lucrative Twenty20 tournament, was detained at Dubai airport on suspicion of carrying illegal drugs. He was held in Dubai for two weeks before returning to Pakistan after a decision was made not to press charges. "I am shocked and surprised because I was extra cautious and never used any banned substances," said Asif.
In a statement issued on Monday, IPL committee said: "The Indian Premier League confirms the player in violation is Mohammad Asif. "It was also checked if Mr Mohammad Asif had applied for and was granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). It was found that Mr Mohammad Asif had not applied for a TUE. "A note in writing has been sent to the player and his home board and to the franchisee on the findings." The news that Asif has tested positive for a banned substance is the latest in a series of controversial incidents that the player has been involved in.

In 2006, both Asif and fellow Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar were found to have taken the banned steroid Nandrolone after failing internal Pakistani Cricket Board drug tests.
The pair were banned for one and two years respectively, before the ruling was overturned on appeal. In 2007 Asif was involved in a dressing-room altercation, during which he was struck with a bat by Shoaib, who was later sent home from the World Twenty20 tournament. And 2008 has seen him involved in two separate drug offences.