Pakistani star spinner Yasir Shah has found some backing from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) off late. The PCB is all set to oppose the ban imposed by the ICC on Shah, for allegedly violating the Anti- Doping Laws. Shah had tested positive for a banned substance during a random dope test, and the ICC on 27th December had stated that it would be banning Shah for the time being.
The positive news for Shah, who has 76 wickets in just 12 tests, is that Shahryar Khan, head of the PCB has backed him completely. Khan has said that rather than conducting another test on Shah, the PCB would directly oppose the ban imposed on the leg spinner by the ICC. “We have decided not to go for the ‘B’ sample test, and instead, will appeal with the ICC,” Khan said about the matter.
Shah’s medical history is likely to come into the picture, as according to an official in the PCB, Shah had shown symptoms of hypertension in the past. “Our team of legal and medical experts have advised to appeal the suspension on Yasir,” the official said. We will submit a strong case to the ICC indicating that Yasir took the medicine unintentionally for a high blood pressure ailment and that there was no intention of using banned substances to enhance his performance.”
“The idea is to try to get Yasir the minimum suspension period for his mistake so that he can be available to play for Pakistan as soon as possible,” the official added. Najam Sethi, another high-ranking official in the PCB too backed Shah and said, “We will do our best to ensure Yasir gets the best possible help and his career is saved.”