Pakistan tribunal extends Shoaib, Asif doping inquiry

KARACHI, Oct 28 (Reuters) The tribunal investigating the positive tests of Pakistani fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif has extended its inquiry until Wednesday, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman told Reuters today.

Adding a further four days to the review, the tribunal has called team coach Bob Woolmer, trainer Murray Stevenson and physiotherapist Darren Lifsun to record statements on November 1, after which it would finalise its findings.

The panel was formed by the PCB after Shoaib and Asif were recalled from the Champions Trophy in India on October 16 following positive tests for the banned steroid nandrolone.

The checks were conducted independently by the board before the tournament.

The two players face a two-year ban under International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-doping regulations, but since they tested positive out of competition, the tribunal can reduce the length of the suspension.

''The tribunal today took the expert views of two doctors after Shoaib and Asif forfeited their right to have their B samples tested for confirmation of the earlier report,'' spokesman Shakeel Khan said.

The bowlers appeared before the tribunal for the second successive day on Saturday and were questioned by the members for more than two hours.

The two have already recorded their statements and have denied taking the banned steroid knowingly.

REUTERS PM BD1434