The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to inflict a six-month ban on opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad after his dope test came positive, according to reports on Monday.
Meanwhile, PCB will come out with the verdict in a day or two. Previously, PCB provisionally suspended him and charged him for violating the anti-doping rules in May.
The punishment, however, can extend to two years if he is guilty for the second time. Furthermore, the third offence in this regard can result in a life ban.
The urine sample of Ahmed Shehzad collected in May during the domestic Pakistan Cup tournament tested positive.
“He has been given till July 18, 2018, to advise whether he wishes to have his B Sample tested and till July 27 to respond to the charges leveled in the Notice of Charge,” the PCB said in a statement on its official website. “The PCB has also provisionally suspended Ahmed Shehzad pending the outcome of the charges,” it added.
Ahmed Shehzad has last represented Pakistan in the two-match T20I series in Scotland in June. He has represented Pakistan across formats in 13 Tests, 81 ODIs, and 57 T20Is.
The 26-year-old has been a prolific run-scorer batting at the top-order for Pakistan. It will be a huge blow for the national side if he fails to make it for the Asia Cup 2018. This edition of the tournament will commence from September 15 with Bangladesh squaring off against Sri Lanka.
Pakistan will start their campaign against the qualifier on September 16 at the Dubai International Stadium. The arch-rivals India and Pakistan take each other on September 19 at Dubai.
The final of the Asia Cup 2018 will be on September 28.