Shoaib calls for greater awareness on doping issues

In the wake of the most serious drugs scandal to hit cricket, Shoaib Akhtar, the man at the centre of it, has called for greater awareness to be created among cricketers, especially in Pakistan, about doping issues. Shoaib, along with fellow fast bowler Mohammad Asif, was handed a ban by a drugs tribunal after tests conducted by the PCB found traces of the banned anabolic steroid Nandrolone in his body. The bans were subsequently overturned by an appeals committee, clearing the way for both bowlers to return to cricket.

Speaking to a few reporters at the National Bank of Pakistan ground in Karachi, where he was playing his first competitive game since the ban for his club side KRL, Shoaib said, "Many players are poorly educated about supplements, medication and doping issues. I've requested the chairman (PCB) to educate youngsters. Teach them now about these things. In 2002, the team attended a lecture where we were told only how to give urine samples.

"Lectures are fine but there is no education. We weren't told that you can and can't take this. There are so many vitamins, so many different remedies, syrups that can carry steroids but we don't know about them, we never learnt about them. I've had so many injuries in my career and taken so many medicines for them. But players are not doctors so they don't always know."

Shoaib and Asif's plea through the two hearings they underwent was that neither of them had taken steroids deliberately and that they weren't properly informed or educated by the board. One possibility their lawyers had raised was that legal supplements, allowed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have been found in the past to be contaminated steroids. "Supplements are often contaminated and these are legal supplements," argued Shoaib.

"So WADA should be looking at the problem of contamination as well and maybe banning some of those. We haven't had a team doctor for the last four years and no nutritionist. Thankfully, the chairman is thinking of bringing in doctors and nutritionists now so youngsters will definitely benefit. I never took any such substances knowingly."

In light of WADA's recent statement, that they were considering challenging the decision to overturn the ban at the International Court of Arbitration, it is unlikely that this is the last we have heard on this issue. But Shoaib, understandably, was eager to look to the future. "I want to thank my family and the nation for supporting me. It's been a tough time for me obviously but it's over now. A lot has been said about it but it is behind me now. I want to concentrate on cricket now only and not look at the past."

It's been a tough time for me obviously but it's over now. A lot has been said about it but it is behind me now. I want to concentrate on cricket now only and not look at the past

As it happens, there is a fair amount to look forward to, beginning with the tour to South Africa in January. Though he was suffering from a slight fever, he managed to ping down 12 overs in the first innings against WAPDA in the ongoing Patron's Trophy match. Despite a duck in the second innings - he was greeted by a bouncer first ball - he came out to bowl a swift opening over in WAPDA's second innings. "I'm fully fit. There was a little bit of stiffness obviously but the last spell I bowled was a quick one, even though the wicket is a little flat. But it's good practice for me."

None of this is particularly good news for South Africa. After crashing to 84 all out on a pacy, bouncy track designed with their opponent's frailties in mind, rather than their own, they are unlikely to do so against a Pakistan side with arguably as strong a pace attack as their own. "I'm not sure the wickets will be so fast there," Shoaib said. "But they're always sporting tracks, especially at Cape Town. Lets see what type of pitches they make especially if we have a full attack and they do as well.

"We have excellent fast bowling resources. Umar Gul has bowled really well, Rana is back in form. And Sami is still an asset. I am hoping to get some more practice. But ultimately, it isn't about me or any other one bowler, it is about the whole side performing. That is vital."

Beyond the tour awaits the World Cup in the Caribbean and Pakistan, says Shoaib, have as good a shot at glory as any. "We have the most balanced team in the world after Australia. The wickets there will be slow but the conditions are good for reverse swing and that should be an advantage for our bowlers. I am very keen to play but it won't be about individuals. This is about the whole team doing well."