WADA decision in 4 months

From Cricinfo...

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said on Thursday it was likely to rule on the World Anti-Doping Agency's appeal against the lifting of bans on Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif within four months. "In accordance with the code of sports-related arbitration, the Arbitral Panel to be appointed will issue directions regarding the arbitration procedure in due course," the court said in a statement.

"As a general rule, the CAS delivers its decisions within four months from the filing of the appeal," the statement issued from Lausanne, Switzerland said. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) last month filed an appeal with the court against a decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Anti-Doping Appeals Committee. "In the decision against which the appeal has been filed, the PCB Anti-Doping Appeals Committee set aside a previous decision ... in which one-year and two-year periods of ineligibility were imposed on Mr. Mohammad Asif and Mr. Shoaib Akhtar respectively," the court's statement said.

A four month ruling in the Court of Sports Arbitration means both Shoaib and Asif are eligible to play in the World Cup. Assuming of course there are no 'fitness issues'...

It's good news for Pakistan. This will surely be Shoaib's last World Cup. I doubt he can bowl till he's 36 or 37.

I believe the scandal will die down. At least the process is not hurried, and its a lot more organized and transparent. And someone of repute is now in charge. The PCB should take notes and see how a real sports governing body operates.

Though an important lesson to be learned from all this is that the ICC and its member nations need some clear doping regulations and guidelines.

Doping Scandal continues: WADA files appeal

As everyone expected, save the PCB who assumed they were now in the clear, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has officially filed an appeal in the Court of Sports Arbitration. They want the ban on Shoaib and Asif to be instated. From IHT...

WADA appealed that decision on Thursday to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, based in Lausanne, Switzerland. "WADA believes that the decision to overturn the sports sanctions is not in conformity with the World Anti-Doping Code," WADA spokesman Frederic Donze said in a statement Friday. "WADA has determined that it has the right — and the duty — to appeal in the circumstances in the interest of doping-free sport."

Can the players compete while this appeals process is occurring?

Now the PCB are really screwed. I doubt they ever thought it would come to this. The world is watching the PCB again. How will they respond...

WADA aims to challenge Shoaib, Asif doping reprieve

I doubted the ICC and WADA would let Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif off as easily. I am guessing a long and arduous legal battle will probably ensue. I don't know why the PCB are being so naive and stubborn about this. The matter is NOT closed, which is what the PCB are claiming. This whole process has made Pakistan look bad according to international eyes. Whether or not the players are innocent is not even the question anymore. The legality, transparency and appeals process that was applied is in question. The ICC and WADA are joining hands and probably have the authority to put their foot down and order re-testing, or perhaps place the ban again on the players. From the IHT...

ICC chief executive officer Malcolm Speed said his organization will offer WADA its full support.

"Our lawyers have examined the finding of the (Pakistan appeals panel) and do not believe the ICC has a right of appeal, but we will cooperate with WADA and provide it with any assistance it requires," Speed said Monday.

The World Anti-Doping Agency will argue to the Court of Arbitration of Sport that Pakistan is a full member of the ICC, which signed up to its code in July.

Seems like the PCB is preparing to defend its decision to the hilt. I just hope this happens well before the World Cup.