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IPL's Asif fails drug test

14/07/2008

Mohammed Asif has declared his innocence after the Indian Premier League (IPL) revealed that the Pakistani fast bowler was the player who failed a random drug test following an IPL game.

"I have taken no banned substances or drugs and I am innocent," Asif said following the accusation.

"I am hoping the board will support me and help me clear my name.

"I will take a decision on having the sample 'B' tested after consulting with the board.

"I just don't know how this has happened because I have been very careful with the medicines I use."

Earlier in the day and IPL statement said: "The Indian Premier League confirms the player in violation is Mohammad Asif.

"It was also checked if Mr Mohammad Asif had applied for and was granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). It was found that Mr Mohammad Asif had not applied for a TUE.

"A note in writing has been sent to the player and his home board and to the franchisee on the findings."

Just last month 25-year-old Asif was detained at Dubai airport on suspicion of carrying illegal drugs.

He was held in Dubai for 19 days before returning to Pakistan after a decision was made not to press charges as the amount of the substance in question was said to be insignificant.

The 25-year-old was also sent home from the 2006 Champions Trophy after testing positive for nandrolone in internal tests carried out by the Pakistani Cricket Board (PCB).

He received a one-year ban, but the ban was overturned on appeal.

Asif – who played for the Delhi Daredevils during the inaugural Twenty20 tournament - now has the option of asking for his 'B' sample to be referred to the IPL's drugs tribunal.

If found guilty the player could face a ban from future IPL tournaments.