Asif files appeal aganist ban, Shoaib to follow

Lahore, Nov 6 (UNI) As expected, Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif today filed his appeal against the one-year ban imposed on him by a PCB anti-doping tribunal, while the other tainted pacer Shoaib Akhtar is expeceted to follow suit tomorrow.

Asif sbumitted the notice of appeal to Dr. Suhail Saleem, Coordinator of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) medical commission.

Later talking to media at National Cricket Academy after filing the appeal, Asif, said ''I'm told a new PCB commission would hear my appeal and I have full trust in the commission.'' Asif said he would contest his case with his counsel and asserted, ''I have enough substantial evidence to prove my innocence.'' Dr. Suhail Saleem confirmed receiving the notice and said, ''I'll soon inform the PCB authorities about it.'' According to sources, Shoaib Akhtar, who has been slapped a two-year ban for testing positive for nandrolone, is yet to submit his appeal but is expected to do so by tomorrow.

Asif's appeal is expected to be heard by retired judge Fakhruddin Ebrahim, former Test player Hasib Ahsan and Dr Danish Zaheer.

UNI XC AY PDS HT1755