ICC President Percy Sonn comments on findings of Pakistan Cricket Board Anti-Doping Appeals Committee

ICC President Percy Sonn today issued the following statement after the release of the report by the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Anti-Doping Appeals Committee set aside the bans previously imposed on fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.

"The judgment highlights inconsistencies in the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) anti-doping processes and regulations," said Mr Sonn.

"Cricket has taken significant strides forward in addressing the important issue of drug use in our sport. However, this judgement emphasises that much more work needs to be done to educate players and to synchronize our Members' efforts to attain a totally drug-free sport.

"It is vital that cricket takes heed of the judgment and that the lessons it provides are disseminated amongst all our Members.

"Of primary importance is that all those Members revisit their own regulations and align them both with the ICC's Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.

"The issue of player education is also of vital importance and the ICC will, with WADA's continued assistance, do its utmost to make it easier for our members to provide this service to their players and officials.

"The key fact is that it is vital for all our Members to maintain a zero tolerance on the use of drugs in our sport.

"That is the idea behind the ICC's drug-testing regime at all our events since 2002 and our adoption of the WADA Code in July of this year.

"I would now urge all our Members to ensure appropriate action is taken so cricket can show just how committed it is to being known as a drug-free sport."