Random dope tests to continue till Champions Trophy

LAHORE - The Pakistan Cricket Board would carry out random dope tests before the Champions Trophy in a bid keep the sport clean of drug cheats, an official said Tuesday. "We conducted the dope tests of the players of the preliminary squad of the Champions Trophy and their reports are likely to be received in next three to four days," said PCB's Director Operations Zakir Khan. "We will continue to hold random dope tests till the tournament begins. The ICC will also have its own dope tests," he said. Zakir further said the board would ensure strict dope test system at the domestic level very soon. "We are working on its details and mechanism, as these tests are costly," he added. Pakistan cricket has suffered a great deal due to doping controversies involving two of country's top bowlers - Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif. Both the bowlers tested positive for a banned substance nandrolone ahead the Champions Trophy in 2006. The PCB-imposed penalties were later cancelled by an appellate tribunal. In June this year, Mohammad Asif was held in Dubai over possession of another banned substance albeit in a small quantity. As if that not enough, Asif tested positive for nandrolone during the Indian Premier League.

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