Pakistan opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad has been tested positive for consuming a prohibited substance, media reports alleged on Wednesday (June 20).
According to a report published in Pakistan Today, Shehzad might face a ban of at least three months from international cricket for breaching the anti-doping laws. Nonetheless, he has the option to give second sample test.
“Ahmad Shahzad has been tested positive for Marijuana – the test was conducted prior to the Scotland series during Pakistan Cup,” Pakistan’s renowned cricket analyst Zainab Abbas tweeted on Wednesday.
On the other hand, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not name Shehzad but confirmed that a player has been tested positive for the banned substance.
“A player has reportedly tested positive for a prohibited substance. But under ICC rules PCB cannot name the player or chargesheet him until the chemical report is CONFIRMED by the Anti-Dope Agency of the government. We should have an answer in a day or two,” PCB said in a media statement through a tweet.
A player has reportedly tested positive for a prohibited substance. But under ICC rules PCB cannot name the player or chargesheet him until the chemical report is CONFIRMED by the Anti-Dope Agency of the government. We should have an answer in a day or two.
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) June 20, 2018
Reports claimed that the authorities conveyed this unfortunate news to the selection committee and Head Coach Mickey Arthur during a meeting when they were discussing the probable squad for the forthcoming Zimbabwe tour.
It is learned that the PCB has decided to leave out Shehzad for the upcoming tour. Moreover, the World Anti-Doping Agency will soon decide action against the Pakistani opener.
