World anti-doping agency endorses ban on Pakistan's Asif

The global anti-doping body Saturday endorsed a one-year ban placed on Pakistan's Mohammad Asif, saying it will not appeal against the punishment.

Asif, 26, tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone during the opening season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last year.

A doping tribunal of the league last month ruled that Asif violated the anti-doping codes and banned him for one year effective from September 22, 2008 to September 21, 2009.

There was speculation that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) might ask for a stiffer penalty but its spokesman told AFP that it would not appeal.

"Under the Indian league rules, WADA has no right of appeal in first instance. The league rules give WADA a right of appeal in second instance," he said in an email message.

The IPL is recognised by the International Cricket Council which follows WADA doping rules.

"In this particular case, given that the parties allowed to appeal in first instance (the player and the IPL) chose not to appeal the initial decision within the deadline set forth, WADA could not pursue the matter further."

Asif, alongwith pace partner Shoaib Akhtar, also tested positive for nandrolone in 2006. A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tribunal banned Akhtar for two years and Asif for one year.

However the bans were lifted on appeal. Then WADA challenged the overturn of the ban in the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) in Switzerland.

The CAS, however, rejected the appeal, saying they did not have jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

The PCB chairman Ijaz Butt earlier this month said Asif is an asset for Pakistan and would play international cricket as soon as he finished his ban.

Asif is also under investigation on being held at Dubai airport on suspicion of possession of opium. He was detained at the airport for 19 days in June last year before he was deported after the prosecutor found the amount of drug insignificant.

A three-man PCB committee is investigating the matter and is likely to give its report early next month.