Shoaib Akhtar’s History Part 6 of 7

On 16 October 2006 Akhtar was suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board, along with Mohammed Asif after the pair were tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance nandrolone. They were consequently pulled out from the ICC Champions Trophy 2006. Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman later stated that he had always suspected Akhtar of substance abuse due to his consistent “reservations” to drug tests. Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul-Haq had also previously complained about Akhtar’s drug abuse but was not reported to the Pakistan Cricket Board. Pakistan news reports state that federal capital police had arrested Shoaib along with drugs some three years ago. Shoaib was then reportedly seen participating in the smoking of marijuana at a night club, violating the curfew for the team in their Test series against England. Akhtar immediately declared his innocence and he declined knowingly taking any performance enhancing drugs. In a statement issued to the press, he claimed that he could never cheat team-mates or opponents. During a hearing with the Pakistan Cricket Board Anti-Doping Committee, he along with Asif maintained taking non-steroidal dietary supplements. He, however, failed to convince the committee of his innocence. In its report submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Anti-Doping Committee recommended a two year ban. On 1 November 2006 the Pakistan Cricket Board handed down a two-year suspension to Akhtar and a one-year suspension to Asif, banning …