ICC open new front in doping battle by AFP

---

Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

---

DateLine: 2nd March 2007

 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will step up its battle against doping by target-testing players at the World Cup.

 

The game's governing body decided to take the extra steps after Pakistan pace duo Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif both tested positive for banned substances last year.

 

However, their bans were overturned and they were allowed to resume their careers.

 

Ironically, both men were withdrawn from the Pakistan World Cup squad on Thursday with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insisting the decision was taken because the duo were injured.

 

"These target tests will be in addition to the ICC's commitment to randomly test four players - two from each side - in 17 of the tournament's 51 matches and may take place at any time from March 2 onwards, the start of the tournament's support period ahead of the warm-up matches," said an ICC statement on Thursday.

 

"The ICC's decision to target test has been taken in the wake of Pakistan players Shoaib Ahktar and Mohammad Asif testing positive for banned substances last year.

 

"The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) withdrew the two players from the ICC Champions Trophy in October as a result of those findings, which came about following internal tests prior to the tournament.

 

"The PCB banned the players but those bans were thrown out on appeal and the ICC was unable to intercede as its own anti-doping code - which is World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-compliant - only governs ICC events."

 

WADA is challenging the overturning of the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

 

The doping controversy looks set to overshadow the build-up to the World Cup which gets underway in the Caribbean on March 11.

 

Furthermore, the annoucement of the target tests comes on the eve of a two-day ICC board meeting in Cape Town.

 

"Both Shoaib Ahktar and Mohammed Asif have played for Pakistan over the past few months despite testing positive for prohibited substances last year," said ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed, speaking just hours before Akhtar and Asif were pulled from the Pakistan squad.

 

"That is a fact neither player has disputed and it is also a fact that has caused the game a high level of embarrassment as a result.

 

"We want to make absolutely sure that all players who take part in the ICC Cricket World Cup do so on the basis that they are free from banned substances.

 

"From an ICC perspective, having the option to target test as well as the already-scheduled tests in place means that if a player does have anything in his system then there is a very strong possibility he will be caught out."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)