Dope tests for Pakistanis before World Cup

KARACHI, Jan 8: Pakistan cricketers, named in the World Cup squad, will undergo dope tests before leaving for South Africa later this month.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman said on Wednesday that the tests would be conducted on all players so that no undue problems arise before the team participates in the mega event. The results of the tests will be available before the start next month.

"The tests are being conducted basically on the lines of the anti-doping policy announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC)," the spokesman added. Meanwhile, Daryl Foster, an Australian bowling coach, is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on Saturday to sign a six-month contract with the PCB.

Foster, who had coached Western Australia and English county side Kent, will begin his assignment with the World Cup and later work at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

The Australian assisted Shoaib Akhtar after the fast bowler's action was questioned by umpires two years ago