Ahmed Shehzad suspended after failing the dope test

The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad is the player who has failed to clear the dope test. He has now been issued a notice of charge and although the notice comes over two months, Shehzad has only 14 days to respond.

Back in April, the right hander underwent a dope test in Faisalabad which took place during the 50-over Pakistan Cup. Although there were media reports which named Shehzad as the player to have failed the test, PCB could not reveal the name according to norms laid by ICC.

The players could only be named when the result was given a stamp of approval by Pakistan’s anti-doping agency. It has to be mentioned here that the original reports from WADA-labs in India was received by the PCB early last month.

There has been no specific reason as to why there was a delay in naming the player and slapping sanctions, although PCB said that they wanted to be absolutely sure of the infringements.

As of now, Shehzad stands suspended and cannot feature in any capacity, both in International and matches organised by the PCB or any affiliate members of the ICC. Earlier, he had also been dropped from Pakistan’s squad which is currently in the Zimbabwe. There are also reports that his domestic team, HBL might well take away the captaincy from him.

In his defence, the right hander can now present a request to take his B sample, and if the B sample’s results do not concur with the A sample, the ban will be lifted with immediate effect. Also, he can request for a hearing before an anti-doping tribunal, although this should be a written application and should be received by the tribunal within 14 days.

For all his talent and ability, Shehzad has never been able to replicate it into performances and has not nailed his spot in the national side and this current development could well signal a elongated absence from the game.