LAUSANNE, Switzerland: World sport’s highest tribunal has rejected an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency to reinstate a ban on Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport said Monday it has no jurisdiction to rule in the dispute between WADA and the Pakistan Cricket Board, which overturned Akhtar’s one-year ban and Asif’s two-year ban for doping.
The decision means the two fast bowlers can continue to compete in matches. They tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone in October.
CAS said it reached its conclusion “with some considerable regret.” The PCB’s statutes would have to contain a direct reference to the tribunal for it to be able to act in the case, CAS said.
With this decision – a chapter of doping has finally (hopefully) closed for Shoaib Akhter & Muhammad Asif – both bowlers missed ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in which Pakistan suffered a humiliating loss from cricket minnows Ireland, which followed the tragic death/murder of their coach late Bob Woolmer.
Courtesy: International Herald Tribune
Posted by darvesh 
Zinda Rood 