Shehzad faces ban on failed drug test

LAHORE: Maverick Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad failed a drug test conducted during a domestic tournament in April, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday, and could face a ban of up to four years.

The offence is a severe blow to the 26-year-old’s stuttering career. The board will issue a formal charge sheet “later today” it said in a release, confirming reports in recent days that Shehzad had tested positive for a banned substance.

Shehzad underwent a random dope test in Faisalabad during the 50-over Pakistan Cup, but news of a positive test emerged through media reports on June 20.The PCB tweeted confirmation of the failed test but said, according to ICC rules, it could not name the player until the result was backed up by Pakistan’s anti-doping agency. The original finding had reached the PCB in early June.

Once he receives the notice, Shehzad stands provisionally suspended and cannot play — or be involved in any capacity — in international matches, and games organised by any national cricket board or its affiliated members.

Shehzad can request for his B sample to be tested, and if that test does not confirm a positive result then his suspension would be lifted with immediate effect. He can also request for a hearing before an anti-doping tribunal through a written application that must be received by the anti-doping manager within 14 days.

Shehzad lost his Test place following Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies in mid-2017 and has not played a One-day International since last October.He was part of Pakistan’s Twenty20 squad for the team’s two international matches last month, managing scores of 14 and 24, but missed out on playing for the tri-series Twenty20 in Zimbabwe which ended Sunday.