DateLine: 5th December 2006

Media Release - 05 December 2006

As per the decision of the Appellate Tribunal headed by Justice (Retd) Fakhruddin G Ibrahim, the two Pakistani fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have been exonerated of the doping charges. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) honours this decision of the independent Appellate Tribunal as it respected the decision of the first Commission chaired by Barrister Shahid Hamid.

Through a transparent process ensuring absolute impartiality the Appellate Tribunal carried out detailed proceedings of the case and acquitted the two Pakistani fast bowlers of the doping charges on the basis that the 'nutritional supplements taken by the two players containing contamination led to positive urine test and the players were found to have "Honest and Reasonable Belief" that the nutritional supplements being used by them did not contain "Banned Substance"'.

PCB asked internationally renowned sports lawyer Mark Gay of law firm DLA Piper in London to assist the Appellate Tribunal on technical and legal basis pertaining to doping as "amicus curiae" or friend of court.

The independent tribunal found that PCB adopted correct procedures for acqulring, testing and handling of the urine samples of the 19 Cricket players.

PCB is satisfied that there is closure on this case with the ruling of the Appellate Tribunal today. Many lessons have been learned and PCB stands by its zero tolerance policy regarding the drug abuse and hopes that the theme of "Playing True" will be followed by all cricketers in its true letter and spirit.

Anti-Doping Appellate Tribunal decision

Media Department

(Article: Copyright © 2006 Pakistan Cricket Board)