Doping control of Pakistan Cricketers from Monday 
'Pakistan Times' Sports Desk

KARACHI: Doping control of Pakistan cricket probables would be launched from Monday and Tuesday, Manager cum camp commandant, Talat Ali Malik told reporters at National Stadium on Friday.

“Urine samples of the boys will be taken on July 30 and 31 for testing and we are making arrangements for the purpose,” he said.

However, he did not elaborate where the samples would be examined.

After joining the fold of World Anti Doping Agency (WAPDA), PCB has to follow all the procedures while carrying the doping, Secretary Sports Medicine Association of Pakistan (SMAP) Dr. Pervez Rezvey said.

“Its mandatory to follow all the procedures of WADA while conducting the dope test,” he said. Samples are normally sent to WADA accredited laboratory in Malaysia, he pointed out.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PC) is conducting internal dope tests of players to avoid any embarrassment in case of a positive test.

Pakistan cricket was rocked last September before the Champions Trophy in India when Pakistan express fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Muhammad Asif were tested positive.

Both Shoaib Akhtar and Asif were banned by an inquiry committee of PCB for two and one years. However, later an appeal tribunal set aside the decision.

Responding to a question regarding holding two many matches which can cause fatigue, he said these matches were conducted with the consent of the players.

Commenting on the tracks prepared for the twenty20 matches, Talat said while fast bouncy tracks were prepared in Lahore, NSK will have batting and sporting track.

“We expect fast and bouncy tracks in Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa and preparing accordingly,” he maintained.

When asked about Rawalpindi Express not joining the camp, he said he had informed the management about his absence and would be in action on Sunday.

He said team’s new coach Geoff Lawson would be taking the charge of Pakistan team on August 19 or 20.●