ISLAMABAD: While emphasising that it has carried out comprehensive reforms based on the directives given by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) on Tuesday said that the country is hoping to get favourable results from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on the matter.

Pakistan was put on WADA’s watchlist in September last year over outstanding non-conformities to the agency’s updated anti-doping code. During this period, the country took several steps to improve its system.

On Friday giving its verdict on Uruguay, Uganda and Pakistan, WADA removed Uruguay from its compliance watchlist while opting to send the cases of Uganda and Pakistan to the CAS for consideration and decided that no penalties would be imposed until the court ruling.

In its reply to Dawn queries on the matter, the PSB on Tuesday stated that it has contested the WADA move.

“The Anti-Doping Organisation of Pakistan (ADOP) has successfully averted potential action from WADA by formally disputing the recent allegations of non-conformities,” the PSB said in a written statement.

The PSB further stated that through comprehensive reforms, including implementation of an upda­ted Test Distribution Plan (TDP) and enhanced result management processes, ADOP has demonstrated full compliance with international standards.

“This proactive approach has ensured that no sanctions were imposed against Pakistan, which safeguarded the interests of our athletes and the integrity of our sports,” the PSB statement added.

“ADOP remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of fairness and transparency in promoting clean sport.”

Meanwhile, PSB director general Yasir Pirzada said that he is absolutely sure that Pakistan will win the case in the CAS.

“ADOP has demonstrated full compliance [with WADA regulations]. So we disputed the allegations of non-compliance and now we hope to get favourable results,” Yasir said.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2025