Shoaib: I am innocent
Shoaib Akhtar insists he has done nothing wrong
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Monday, 16, Oct 2006 10:09
Shoaib Akhtar insists he has done nothing wrong despite testing positive in a routine doping test.
The fast bowler, dubbed the Rawalpindi Express, and starlet Mohammad Asif were both withdrawn from Pakistan's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy after failing the tests.
Speaking on his website, Shoaib said: "I cannot say much at this time about what has happened but I just want to assure everyone that I am innocent of doing anything I shouldn't have."
He added: "The president of Pakistan has asked me not to comment in any detail at this stage and I want to respect his wishes, so I will keep my message short. All I can say is that I have not knowingly taken any performance enhancing drugs and would never cheat my team-mates or opponents in this way.
"I have always played the game fair and I give 100 per cent and do not feel that I need to take drugs to help my bowling. I am gutted to be missing the Champions Trophy and I will return to Pakistan to see what has happened and what needs to be done. That's all I have to say for now."
A statement published by the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Shoaib and Asif had tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid Nandrolone.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has since asked for reconfirmation of the tests, the results of which are expected by tomorrow.