Shoaib Akhtar banned for two years...

[Rachael]

I'm not sure how / why, but Mohammed Asif gets away with 12 months... seems a bit odd and let's hope there's clarification to follow.

See http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6061394.stm

Originally Posted by BBC

The suspensions mean Shoaib and Asif will miss next year's World Cup in the Caribbean and some observers believe it may be the end of Shoaib's chequered international career after 42 Tests and 133 one-day internationals.

Also http://uk.cricinfo.com/pakistan/cont...ry/266573.html

Originally Posted by cricinfo

Shoaib initially denied any misconduct, saying: "I have not knowingly taken any performance enhancing drugs and would never cheat my team-mates or opponents in this way." But earlier this week, both men declined the offer of a retest on their B samples, which implied that they did not question the results. Both men are, however, entitled to appeal against their ban.

[...]

Under the ICC's doping rules, a two-year ban is the minimum penalty for a first offence. However, the PCB said all along it will take its own decisions, since the tests were conducted internally. As a younger member of the squad, Asif, 24 next month, has been let off comparatively lightly, and can be expected to fight again for his place next year. For Shoaib, however, the final curtain could be falling on an eventful and controversial career.

[Vrock]

I, too, am not sure why Asif did not get 2 years also (possibly because he is young?) but I think the bans set out for them are correct and show that the PCB will not tolerate cheats.

Hopefully this will send a shock reminder to all those in the Pakistani first-class cricket setup about the use of drugs and that it doesn't pay in the end.

Edit: I have just read the cricinfo quote so my question is answered about why Asif got let off lighter.

So can Shoaib return after this or is it definitely all over for a) his international career b) his cricket career?

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by Vrock

I, too, am not sure why Asif did not get 2 years also (possibly because he is young?)

However nice an idea, that argument would carry no weight with WADA. One hopes some sort of mitigating reason IS forthcoming because if not... this is going to look like expedience: the PCB might get away with it because they are not yet compelled to toe the WADA line... but it would look unseemly if they had simply decided that the Asif ban should be shortened in the interests of Pakistan's national side!

[Captain]

The full report by the tribunal: http://www.pcb.com.pk/Pakistan/Articles/5/5298.htmlSHoaib's career is over.

Asif will be back.

[Captain]

Originally Posted by Vrock

So can Shoaib return after this or is it definitely all over for a) his international career b) his cricket career?

I will have to say (b) on this one.

[DomainK]

This probably marks the end of Shoaib Akhtar's career. If it is, its a very sad end to the international career of a great bowler.

Asif will certainly look forward to more cricket after a year.

We should also not forget that they both can appeal against the ban and then the ban period might be revised.

[DomainK]

Just heard a report on IBN7 (Indian news channel). They were interviewing Pakistani journalist and he said that Asif was let off easy because of his ignorance. Asif did admit to taking something that had nandrolone and stopped it when someone warned him.

Shoaib however, was fully aware of the drug and hence was banned for two years.

[Vrock]

The clouds are becoming clearer as to why the bans were different.

I think the PCB have definitely got it right; yes, Asif probably wasn't too sure whether what he was taking a banned drug(would he even have questioned it?) but the PCB are still laying some blame on his shoulders and saying it's not an excuse.

[DomainK]

A step by step account of the whole thing from the PCB:

http://pcb.com.pk/Pakistan/Articles/5/5298.html

PCB handled it bravely. This should be a wake up call for all those boards who havent been taking the drug issues seriously. High time for all boards to start doing internal drug tests.

[Colourful Chaddi]

Very sad, the cricketing world will miss seeing Shoaib Akhtar stroming in and bowling a 100mph delivery to a batsman who is shaking in his boots. It was one of the best sights in cricket.

Farewell Shoaib Akhtar. (Good luck in your new career in bollywood)