Lawyer unhappy over revelation of Asif's identity

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.