Karachi
Left-arm spinner Raza Hasan may face suspension from all forms of cricket after testing positive for cocaine in a dope test conducted during the recent Pentangular Cup in Karachi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which conducted random testing during the tournament, sent Raza’s samples to a World Anti-Doping Agency’s (Wada) accredited laboratory in India.
A source close to the PCB said that Raza, who has represented Pakistan in one ODI and 10 T20s, has been advised to submit his response through a legal counsel to a two-member committee formulated by the board in this regard.
“The results of the ‘B’ sample are still awaited but on the basis of the ‘A’ sample results, the board has already established a two-member committee to charge the spinner and seek an explanation from him,” a source close to the board told a Press Trust of India correspondent.
“The PCB is taking the matter very seriously because this is the first time any player has tested positive for the use of cocaine.
If Raza fails to clear himself before the inquiry committee, he will face a two-year ban from all forms of cricket.”
It remains to be seen whether Raza will also face a police investigation after the PCB inquiry as the use of cocaine is a criminal offence in Pakistan.—Agencies
