Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Pakistani fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif did not appear for dope tests carried out today by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical panel on players and reserves selected for the World Cup.
Both the bowlers are in London seeking medical opinion on their knee and elbow injuries which could put them out of the Cup.
“They will undertake the dope tests as soon as they return from London,” a PCB official said.
The medical panel today tested 14 players, excluding captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who will also appear for the test on Saturday. “The remaining players will be tested in Karachi as they are based there,” the official said.
“Shahid Afridi has gone to England to play in a charity match and is expected to return home along with Asif on February 19,” he added.
Samples from batsmen Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria would also be taken on Saturday.
He conceded that the main focus of the tests were Shoaib and Asif because of their previous problem.
The PCB official said they would appear for the tests under all circumstances as the board was most concerned about them clearing the tests.
“This is a normal screening procedure before every major ICC tournament but this time because of the problems faced by Shoaib and Asif they have assumed importance,” he added.
