Mohammad Asif's lawyer, Shahid Karim, is unhappy that his client's name was disclosed by the IPL as the player whose sample tested positive for a banned substance, even before the results of the test of his B sample were known.

"There are certain rules that were not followed in this case," Karim told AP. "The authorities should have waited for the B sample test before revealing the identity of the player."

He remained optimistic that Asif, who has since been suspended by the Pakistan board, will escape punishment. "As a lawyer, I am quite hopeful that Asif will come out clean from this doping case and will again represent Pakistan in international cricket." If Asif's B sample tests negative, he will be deemed to be clear of the charge.

Karim said the date for Asif's B sample test had been tentatively fixed for July 28; the testing will be carried out at a WADA-accredited laboratory in Switzerland.