DUBAI, Feb 24: In a development that’s likely to be a major factor, as Pakistan ponders whether or not to take Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif to the Caribbean, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has refused to rule out the possibility that it may carry out targeted dope tests during the World Cup.

In a communication to the boards of all countries participating in the event, the ICC has said it will maintain its right to target test players at any point during the event, a PCB official stated.

As per the communication, the ICC is likely to carry out testing in 16 matches with four tests (two per team) in each of the matches. It adds that while the tests are intended to be random and will not be announced in advance, the ICC will reserve the right to target test players.

Pakistan have more reason than most members, of course, to fully comprehend the implications of such a policy. Though it is appearing increasing unlikely that either Asif or Shoaib will actually travel to the World Cup, for whatever reasons, in the event that they do, there is nothing stopping the ICC from targeting both. —Agencies