June 10, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 05, 1429

LAHORE, June 9: To curb the use of banned substances, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to dope test players randomly at the first-class level from the next season starting in September.

Informed sources told Dawn that following fast bowler Mohammad Asif’s detention at the Dubai airport recently for allegedly possessing a banned substance, the PCB has decided to introduce a policy of dope testing players at the first-class level too.

A thorough discussion on the issue would be held in the forthcoming meeting of the PCB’s Governing Board domestic committee meeting to be held here on June 17. The approved policy would be presented to the Governing Board meeting for final approval.

Moreover, it has also been decided that neither coaches nor referees and first-class umpires would be allowed to carry cigarettes.

Sources said the PCB had also received some reports that some coaches also used drugs.

Moreover, video record of every first-class match would be kept, the purpose of which will be to observe quality of the pitches, players’ on-field attitude besides performance of the umpires and referees.

For this purpose, there will be four cameras at each ground where a first-class match is being held.