Asif to challenge his positive drugs test

Lahore, Jul 15 (UNI) A day after he was found guilty of doping, fast bowler Mohammad Asif today said he will challenge his positive test result for a banned substance during this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) and has requested a ''B'' sample test.

Speaking to mediapersons Asif said, ''I am not allowed to speak as my lawyer is handling the issue but I will do everything to prove my innocence. We will ask for a ''B'' sample test.'' Under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, an athlete, who has tested positive for a banned substance in a preliminary test, is allowed to appeal for a second test of his sample.

''My client is a victim and he is innocent. He has no idea how his test came positive when he has not taken any drugs or banned substances,'' Asif's lawyer Shahid Karim said.

The IPL yesterday revealed Asif's name as the player who was tested positive for a banned substance during the Twenty20 tournament in India.

Asif, who has played 11 Tests and 31 One-day internationals, has been involved in a series of doping scandals since 2006.

The 25-year-old speedster was tested positive for nandrolone conducted by the by the Pakistan Cricket Board two years ago and had to spend 19-days in detention in Dubai for alleged possession of a banned substance last month.

''My client is confident about his innocence and is sure that he will be cleared of all the charges against him. He has represented his country with pride and honour and he is keen to play for his country again,'' Karim added.

UNI XC RAR AB HT1645