PCB to exonerate Asif from doping charges

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to exonerate Mohammad Asif from doping charges but the other tainted pacer Shoaib Akhtar is not likely to get any reprieve, claims local media.

Quoting PCB sources, the Pak Tribune claimed PCB would let off Asif, giving the youngster a benefit of doubt but chances are really bleak that temperamental Shoaib Akhtar would get the same favour.

The Tribunal set up for hearing the appeals of Shoaib and Asif against their ban would announce its verdict in a day or two.

''However, it is likely that Mohammad Asif would be absolved of all charges by giving him benefit of the doubt. While the sentence on Shoaib Akhtar of two years ban would be upheld,' the Pak Tribune said.

''According to sources, the tribunal consisting of Justice Fakhruddin, Dr Danish Zaheer and Hasib Ahsan reviewed the lawyers' arguments during the appeal hearings,'' it added.

It also claimed that the tribunal has refuted demands by Shoaib's lawyer that the ''Rawalpindi Express'' had not signed the new contract and hence dope laws were not applicable on him. PCB, however, scuttled the move by providing an old copy of Shoaib's agreement, consisting of dope condition, which he had signed.

In contrast, Asif had neither signed any central contract or participated in any Dope Test Awareness programme, the report claimed.