Losing Mohammad Asif is truly tragic

Perhaps I can understand the Shoaib Akhtar who was caught red-handed with his hand in the steroid jar, but I still cannot reconcile myself with Mohammad Asif doping. I don't see how he could possibly gain from this. I read the PCB media release regarding the tribunals findings. Asif just seems to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Although I may not agree with it, I believe his appeal might be accepted and that his ban might be lifted. Though its not going to look good through international eyes, the PCB might be inclined to listen to his side of the story with more intent. I sincerely hope they don't lift the ban. No one who cheats using chemicals should be on the team. But this is Pakistani cricket...stranger things have happened.

I lot of the focus throughout this doping scandal has been on Shoaib Akhtar, but the true tragedy is Mohammad Asif. He is only 23, so he will definitely make a comeback after a year...but its terrible that he had to do something like this. After reading his statement and his defense, it is clear why the tribunal went a little easier on Asif.

The case of Mohammad Asif is on a somewhat different footing with regard to the level of his responsibility. Mohammad Asif became a regular member of the Pakistan Team in March 2006. He was not tested previously. It is not shown that he was ever present at any lecture or session with regard to the Anti Doping Regulations or list of prohibited substances. There is some doubt whether he was even handed over the WADA 2006 list of prohibited substances and WADA Athlete Guide prior to the departure of the team for the England tour in August 2006. He was amongst those who gave his sample on the very first date of sample taking viz 25.9.2006 and did not try and delay the sample taking. He said in response to a question put by us that he had been using Promax but had stopped as soon as the Team Physiotherapist told him to do so. Mr. Darryn Lifson the Team Physiotherapist has confirmed before us that Mohammad Asif stopped the use of Promax-50 (purchased by him locally) as soon as he was told to do so. We have ourselves noticed during the hearings that Mohammad Asif's command of English is limited and we are clear that he could not possibly have understood the WADA publications without someone helping him to understand their contents. No such guidance or counseling was provided. He has stated before us that he is unable to explain why his urine sample has tested positive for the nandrolone metabolite. 38.

I am not sure if he knew or not, whether he was taking steroids. But one can feel a lot sorrier for him than Akhtar, mainly because he seems like a lamb compared to his senior bowling partner. Since its the same drug they both got caught for, one can assume they got it from the same source and both knew about it. Anyway that is all speculation. There were also rumors about Asif and Cannabis, which I wrote about earlier. If that is to be believed (which it really shouldn't), then these two are pot buddies.

Back to the tragedy....Asif came into the fold of international cricket just this March. He had 261 wickets at 24.37 from just 65 first class matches. His strike rate of 40 brought in 15 five wicket hauls and 5 ten wicket hauls.

In international cricket, his 6 test matches brought him 30 wickets at 21.16. His strike rate improved to 38.63 and brought him 2 five wicket hauls and a single ten wicket haul.

Anyone who has seen him bowl is impressed. This kid can move the new ball like no one I have seen before, save McGrath. he has barely started his test career, but he has gotten some of the biggest guys out. Dravid, Laxman, Sangakarra....and the list goes. He came into focus with 10 wickets against England A as part of the Pakistan A team the tourists during the warm up games. That was barely a year ago. Since then he become Pakistan's strike opening bowler. Pakistan was handicapped without his services in the first 3 tests of the England tour which ended horribly in more ways than one for Pakistan.

I stand by the PCB in their attempts to clean up the acts of their players. However, they need to make greater efforts to make sure the players understand the rules. Pakistani players have limited understanding of international rules, customs and laws. It is the job of the administration to help out. Mohd. Asif should be punished and the reason why he got only a year and not 2, is because part of the blame should be on the hands of the PCB.

Nevertheless, his career is not over. He will be tarnished by the stain of drugs forever. Instead of appealing and proclaiming his innocence, he needs to take the backseat, and let the more flamboyant Akhtar take the 'limelight' during this scandal. He needs to disappear for this year, clean up his act, and let his incredible bowling do the talking when he returns. That is the only way he will be vindicated in the country's eyes.

Shoaib's protein cocktail

What the hell is he taking? Is this normal? From the PCB doping tribunal's report...

BLAZE XTREME (a fat burning supplement contaning the All-Star MVPs: Delta 5-E, Tyramine, Forskolin, EGCG (a special constitutent of green Tea), Bacosides A & B, TTA and Caffeine)

NITRON5 containing ornithine and arginine.

ERGOLEAN AMP. Pre-Workout Neuro-stimulant/ Thermogenic Monster.

SIZE ON. It contains Creatine Gluconate (cell volumizer) creatine

Promax 50 (from Fleximuscle, London) a liquid protein diet.

Viper-an isotonic drink to boost the immunity.

T-Bomb II. It is like Testosterone on Testosterone

He also admits taking Herbal medicines (masculinity/strength boosters).

He has also been taking mixed pill vitamins.

My goodness....

PCB bans Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif

I was alseep when I got my brother's text message this afternoon. Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have been banned. As expected, Akhtar has been banned for two years, which is the prescribed timeline for a ban according to the WADA. However Asif, thankfully, has been banned only for a single year. I knew they would be banned, but atleast its official now. I think we can kiss our World Cup dreams goodbye... Our bowling attack is quite weak without them...but I am pleased that these two are getting what they deserve.

I sincerely hope the ICC respects this ruling. I am sure we will expect a statement from them really soon. As soon as Malcolm Speed is done bashing Modi and the BCCI, we can perhaps hear something more about how they expect to combat doping and perhaps set down official guidelines. More importantly I hope the other boards, players and fans find this ruling fair. I will ask my blogging colleagues their opinion about this over the next few days.

The PCB released their ruling this morning, Pakistan time. It is a massive press release, by any standards, and very well written. It consists of 39 points. Its definately interesting reading as Osman Samiuddin pointed out.

Point 16 is interesting. I am sure the more conservative amongst us will find just another few things to bash Shoaib about...I'm just waiting to read Dawn's letters this week.

A 31 year old gentleman, well oriented in time and space Shoaib Akhtar was born with two congenital deformities-Flat feet and hyper-extensive joints. Supreme athlete playing competitive international sport, Shoaib weighs 85 kgs and stands at 5 ft 11½ inches. His waist is 34, chest 44 and biceps 12½ inches.

Occasional smoker and a past history of infrequent alcohol consumption, with a penchant for western lifestyle, sexually active Shoaib has an unremarkable medical history. There is history of bronchial asthma (atopy). However his surgical/trauma history is quite remarkable.

Shoaib is a mentally tough individual having withstood enormous social pressures. At one time his career was at stake charged to have an illegal bowling action. He underwent extensive biomechanical diagnostic and rehabilitation session in Australia and returned to bowl himself to peak.

That he drinks, smokes, and enjoys female company is no one else's business but his own, but its amusing that this was presented to the panel. Don't quite see how it helps. I also like how he calls himself a 'supreme athlete' who is 'mentally tough' in his own statement. It's nice to see that even in the most dire of times, Shoaib Akhtar still displays the same arrogance we all love and hate him for.

Do I feel bad for him? I guess I do. I like Shoaib Akhtar. I like the fact that he's Pakistani, and the envy of other nations and therefore I can be proud of him. I have always loved watching the dozens of youtube videos of him screaming down the pitch and bowling batsman. That's inspirational stuff and always gets the hair crawling at the back of my neck. We must remember him for what he gave us and not for who he is. He's arrogant, proud, got success too fast, aggressive, indisciplined and cricket's modern day prima donna. Yet it was us, the public, that pushed him into the limelight and moulded him into what he is today.

Undoubtedly he has disappointed the nation and a 2 year ban is the ultimate punishment for his misjudgment. I am sure no one feels this more than he does, and I hope Pakistanis remember Shoaib as our flag bearer, continuing the legacy of the country's flamboyant fast bowlers. The punishment has been decreed, Shoaib will serve his ban out, and thats where the story must end. After a two year ban, its hard to see him making a comeback. Cricket is going to be that much duller without Shoaib Akhtar.