Sun, Oct 22, 2006 - Page 22 News List

Sri Lanka win on `sticky wicket'

PROBLEM SOLVED Both team captains agreed that the glue had improved the pitch, but Sri Lanka's bowlers still dismissed the Black Caps for just 165

AFP , MUMBAI, INDIA

They will, however, meet in their Group Stage clash at Sabina Park here on March 17, St. Patrick's Day for Irish supporters.

"To ensure that these two teams do not therefore meet at the Warm-up stage, two Group C fixtures have been switched," said a spokesman.

South Africa will now face Ireland on March 5 while Pakistan plays Canada on March 6 at the Sir Frank Worrell Ground in Trinidad.

Reuters, KARACHI

Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif appeared before a tribunal yesterday which will recommend if they are to be penalized for testing positive for the banned steroid nandrolone.

The tribunal, including former test captain Intikhab Alam and barrister Shahid Hamid, will report its findings in two weeks' time to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Shoaib and Asif were recalled from the Champions Trophy in India on Monday after they tested positive in the internal dope tests carried out by the PCB before the tournament.

Under the International Cricket Council (ICC) anti-doping regulations if a player tests positive in a tournament he faces an immediate ban of two years for a first violation.

"The tribunal met for some three hours and both of them were questioned for an hour after which they left and the members carried on their deliberations," a board spokesman said.

"The tribunal is expected to meet again on the 26th," he added.

Nasim Ashraf, the PCB Chairman, told reporters that the board would implement the recommendations of the tribunal and would make the outcome public.

"We will not be taking any popular decision under pressure from anyone. We will take a correct decision. The World Cup is important for us but more important is the image of the country. We will act impartially and fairly," Ashraf said.

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