July 29, 2008	Tuesday	Rajab 25, 1429

LAHORE, July 28: The ‘B’ sample test of Pakistan’s dope-tainted pacer Mohammad Asif will be conducted in Switzerland on Aug 6, the bowler’s lawyer Shahid Karim told reporters here on Monday.

Earlier, the test was to be conducted on July 28 but it was deferred on Asif’s request as he needed time for making the necessary travelling arrangements including getting a visa for Switzerland.

Asif, facing two inquiries at present, needs to first clear himself from a positive test report of his urine sample taken during the Indian Premier League. He is the only player to have tested positive during the IPL.

Incidentally, this was the second time the Sheikhupura-born fast bowler had tested positive, the first occasion being the eve of the 2006 Champions Trophy when he tested positive for banned substance nandrolone along with fellow paceman Shoaib Akhtar.

This time, however, Asif has decided to go for the ‘B’ sample test and will soon be heading to Switzerland in a few days for the same. His lawyer Shahid, who will be travelling to Switzerland along with Asif, said: “Hopefully, we will prepare a strong case by Aug 6,” he said.

International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-doping regulations provide players and/or their representative the right to be present when the ‘B’ sample is opened and analysed.

The second inquiry faced by Asif is regarding his 21-day detention at the Dubai airport for allegedly carrying a banned substance in his wallet while returning to Pakistan from India after playing in the IPL. A three-member fact-finding committee, headed by PCB Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi, is to hold its second meeting at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Asif has already submitted his reply to the committee regarding the Dubai saga.