Woolmer, Younis expresses disappointment over Dope Case
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

JAIPUR (India): Pakistan's team management on Monday put a brave face on a drug row involving Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, saying the team were geared up for the Champions Trophy battle against Sri Lanka.

The fast bowling duo were scheduled to return home Monday night after testing positive for a banned drug, just a day before Pakistan were to take on Sri Lanka in their opening Group B match here.

"Captain (Younis Khan) and I are disappointed that this has happened," said Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer.

"I am pretty confident that the team will take the adversity in their stride and rise to the occasion. I am sure we will play good, competitive cricket tomorrow."

Akhtar and Asif were prominent cricketers to be caught in the doping net after Australian leg-spin wizard Shane Warne, who was banned for one year just before the start of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

The Pakistani captain said it was always tough to miss a pair of key fast bowlers before an important match, but it could have been worse had the news come during the tournament.

"We have to face it and move on. I think it could have been worse had it come during the tournament. But I am still positive and confident of a good performance," said Younis.

"It is tough, but it also makes me stronger. I think we have the replacements and won't face any problems tomorrow. The question is not about winning or losing. Our aim is to play good cricket."●