Shehzad's ban extended by six weeks

International Desk: Ahmed Shehzad's four-month ban for doping has been further extended by six weeks for breaching the 'Agreed Sanctions Agreement' that he entered with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His ban now expires on December 22.

The PCB on October 19 served a showcause notice to the opening batsman for a social media post which revealed that Shehzad was featuring in friendly matches for Muslim Gymkhana Cricket Club. This violated the agreement, which, as per the article 10.11.1.1 of the PCB rules, says, a cricketer, serving a ban, is not allowed to feature in any form of cricket-related activity held under the auspices of the board or bodies affiliated with it. Since, Muslim Gymkhana is registered with the PCB, Shehzad was asked to explain why he should not be charged for the violation.

In his response to the board via e-mail, Shehzad stated that he was unaware of the aforementioned article and would have never willfully breached it had he known about it. He further stated that he wanted to give back to the community by inspiring kids - by playing with them. In his in-person appearance later, he reiterated the same points and apologised for the breach.

Article 10.11.3 of the PCB rules state that an extension of the length of the original ban can be made if a player violates the terms. But keeping in view Shehzad's "immediate admission of fault", "honesty with which Shehzad has pleaded his case and apology", and his intent - which was not to violate the PCB rules, but to give back to his club - the PCB extended his ban only by six weeks.

Shehzad had recently signed with domestic departmental team Sui Southern Gas Company and was expected to feature in the quarter-final stage of the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. But now that his ban now outlasts the country's premier first class tournament, Shehzad won't be able to don their colours this season.

Shehzad was originally banned for testing positive in an in-competition dope test during Pakistan Cup earlier this year. He had said that the presence of prohibited substance was due to the consumption of his mother's medicine that his wife had given him to get rid of nausea on the day of his side's match. During his correspondence with the board, he had agreed to reach an agreement under article 8.4 'Agreed Sanctions Agreement' of the PCB's anti-doping code. _Agencies
 

risingbd/Dhaka/November 03, 2018/AKA