Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has been suspended by the Indian Premier League for a year following a positive drugs test.
Bowler's suspension backdated to September
Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has been suspended by the Indian Premier League for a year following a positive drugs test.
Asif, who is currently banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board after testing positive for nandrolone last May, will have his suspension backdated to September 22 when he was first suspended by the IPL.
He appeared before a tribunal in October, when the player argued that eye drops were the reason for the positive sample.
The panel adjourned the hearing, which was then put back by the Mumbai terrorist attacks until last month, when a verdict was again delayed.
While Asif will be disappointed with the result of the hearing, it brings to an end a drawn-out saga for the player, who tested positive for nandrolone in 2006 but on that occasion had a one-year ban overturned on appeal.
However, the story may yet rumble on as the player is once again hoping to challenge the suspension.
Intention to appeal
"I want to play for Pakistan and be cleared of this doping charge because I have never used banned substances intentionally," he said.
"I don't know if I am allowed to appeal the ban. Once the picture is clear my intention is to challenge the ban.
"I'm relieved that the drugs inquiry tribunal has finally given its decision. Since last year I have been under a lot of pressure."
But ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat was pleased with the findings of the panel.
"As an international governing body, the ICC maintains a zero tolerance in the area of doping," he said.
"We are proud of the fact that we have been testing at our events since 2002 and in that time we are yet to have an adverse analytical finding.
"Together with our members we are committed to the implementation of a new ICC Anti-Doping Code (2009) that will seek to ensure we have a great sport with a great spirit."
Asif still has the small matter of a PCB investigation looming over him after he was detained in Dubai last year for possessing opium.
The 26-year-old recently ended his contract with IPL side the Delhi Daredevils in order to concentrate on clearing his name.
