Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah, the world’s highest-ranked slow bowler, was on Sunday provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for failing a drug test.
“Shah has been charged with an anti-doping rule violation on a sample he provided in an in-competition test,” an ICC statement announced.
“The test, conducted on Nov. 13, 2015, was found to contain the presence of chlortalidone, a prohibited substance, which appears in Section 5 of the World Anti-Doping Agency list [in the category of specified substances],” the ICC said.
Photo: AFP
“In accordance with the ICC anti-doping code, pending the outcome of the disciplinary process, Yasir has been provisionally suspended,” the ICC said.
Shah, 29, has emerged as a match-winner for Pakistan since ace spinner Saeed Ajmal’s action was reported, subsequently losing his wicket-taking ability with a remodeled action.
Shah took 12 wickets in Pakistan’s 2-0 win against Australia last year before playing a key role in this year’s 2-1 Test series win in Sri Lanka with 24 wickets.
A month before he was tested, Shah had fallen down while bowling in the nets in his follow-through and had to miss the first Test against England in Abu Dhabi with a back problem.
He returned for the second and third Tests, taking 15 wickets to help Pakistan beat England 2-0 and was tested during the one-day series.
Shah has so far taken 76 wickets in 12 Tests and became the fastest to capture 50 wickets in nine Tests — a record for Pakistan.
He has also played 15 one-day internationals and two Twenty20s after making his debut in 2011.
The latest doping issue came after Sri Lanka wicketkeeper batsman Kusal Perera tested positive for a banned substance earlier this month.
Perera faces a lengthy ban from international cricket, as his “B” sample reportedly also tested positive.
He had to be withdrawn from Sri Lanka’s tour to New Zealand after the news broke. His test was conducted in October.
Pakistan has a history of doping related offenses.
In 2006, pace duo Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif tested positive for banned substances and had to be pulled out of that year’s Champions Trophy in India.
However, both were cleared on the basis that tests were conducted internally and not by the ICC.
The Pakistan Cricket Board, which conducts regular education programs for players on anti-doping and corruption, said it would study the case in the next two days.
Under the rules, Shah has seven days to demand a test on his “B” sample.
The ICC tribunal on anti-doping is to determine the extent of his ban, which could be from two to four years.
Shah’s case drew sympathy from former Test spinner Saqlain Mushtaq.
“Disappointed to hear about Yasir Shah’s suspension. Our prayers and support are with you see u soon on the pitch again,” Saqlain said on Twitter.
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