PCB denies knowledge of IPL dope scandal

Pakistan cricket has been hit by yet another controversy with pacer Mohammed Asif being suspected of involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL) dope scandal, but the PCB has denied any knowledge of the matter.

''Right now we are not in the picture at all. Because this positive test is purely an internal matter of the IPL and the Indian cricket Board. And so far we have not been told by anyone that any of our players might be involved,'' a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) source told mediapersons late last night.

Meanwhile, PCB has assured that if a Pakistan player is found to be guilty, he will not be pardoned and stern action will be taken against him.

''I can assure you that if it turns out to be a Pakistani player, we will take all possible actions listed in our anti-doping policy and the player will not be shown any leniency,'' PCB's Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi said. According the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the 'A' sample of a player, taken during the IPL, had tested positive. It is suspected that Asif, who underwent a dope test after the semi-final between the Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals, is the guilty player.

''Umar Gul also had a test but Shoaib Akhtar was not picked for any test,'' a source close to the Pakistani players who took part in the IPL said.

The PCB has put Asif's name on hold from the 30-man squad for the Champions Trophy in September.

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