IndiaPost.com - Asif tested positive, faces 2 year ban

NEW DELHI: Pakistani medium fast bowler Mohammad Asif was again at the centre of doping scandal after it was disclosed that he had tested positive in a drug test during the IPL tournament, an offence punishable upto two years' ban on playing international cricket.

The immensely talented Asif, whose nagging accuracy has troubled batsmen, played for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL tournament during which eight players are said to have been subjected to random testing in accordance to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards.

He is the only one to test positive. The IPL announced that Asif, who was detained for 19 days on the charge of carrying contraband drugs in Dubai where he landed from Mumbai after the tournament, has been informed of the "adverse analytical findings" which constituted a violation of WADA Codes.

Asif has the right to request that the B sample, supplied by him at the time of A sample, be analyzed. In case of such a request, he and his representative along with an IPL official will have the right to attend the opening and analysis of it.

Once the results of the B sample are obtained it would be referred to the IPL drug tribunal, which consists of former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, ex-vice chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences Dr Ravi Bapat and a leading lawyer Shirish Gupte.

When the news of positive dope test in the IPL broke out, it led to widespread speculation that Asif was the bowler because of his dubious track record. The speedster, along with Shoaib Akhtar, had tested positive for nandrolone just before the 2006 Champions Trophy held in India and was sent back.

He spent 19 days in detention in Dubai for allegedly carrying banned substance but was released without being charged. As per the WADA Code, a first time offence leads to a ban of two years, while a second violation invites a life ban.

Apart from WADA sanction, Asif also faces ban from the future editions of the high-profile Indian Premier League. The IPL statement also said that Asif had not applied for therapeutic use exemption (TUE) and a note has been sent to the player and his home board and the franchisee on the findings.

"I am shocked and surprised because I was extra cautious. I never used any banned substance," Asif said in Pakistan.