Shoaib pleads innocence
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ByEurosport
Published 17/10/2006 at 07:31 GMT
Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has pleaded his innocence on his return to Lahore following his failed drug test. Pakistan sent Akhtar and fellow paceman Mohammad Asif home from the Champions Trophy in India on Monday after they tested positive for the
CRICKET, Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan
Image credit: Imago
"I have done nothing wrong," Shoaib wrote on his personal website.
"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.
"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," he said.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has applauded Pakistan's handling of the drugs scandal.
Sutherland said it was "disappointing news", but praised the Pakistan Cricket Board for its out-of-competition testing policy, prompt action and transparency.
"It's good to hear the Pakistanis have taken the approach they have and it shows they are taking the matter seriously," Sutherland said in The Age.
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