Asif's lawyer says IPL tribunal delaying hearing

Mohammad Asif's lawyer has criticised the IPL's drug tribunal for delaying the preliminary hearing into the bowler's violation of the ICC's anti-doping code.

The tribunal had set August 30 as the date of the hearing after both of Asif's samples tested positive for nandrolone, but had deferred it on his request. "I can't understand why they are delaying the hearing," Shahid Karim, Asif's lawyer, told PTI. "At one time they were keen on having a hearing as soon as possible but now we are not getting a new date from them.

"They appeared so keen to resolve the issue but now this delay is beyond comprehension. We have reminded them for a new date. I am confident and well prepared for defending Asif now."

Asif had asked for his B sample to be analysed after it was revealed in July that his sample taken during the IPL had tested positive for a banned substance. Although the B sample also tested positive, the level of nandrolone varied from that in the first sample.

Sunil Gavaskar, Dr Ravi Bapat (ex-Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences) and lawyer Shirish Gupte make up the IPL's drug tribunal.