Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has backed the decision to recall fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif from the Champions Trophy after they tested positive for a banned steroid.
Shoaib and Asif were recalled from the tournament in India by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday after becoming the first cricketers to test positive for the banned steroid nandrolone. They face a PCB drugs tribunal inquiry and could be banned for up to two years if their B urine samples also test positive.
"The PCB took the right decision in calling them back. I am sure they didn't take any banned substances intentionally. But if they had tested positive in the ICC tournament, it would have been a very difficult situation for everyone," Inzamam told Reuters.
Inzamam is missing the Champions Trophy as he serves a four-match ban from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for bringing the game into disrepute as a fallout from the Oval Test fiasco in August. He said all players should be very careful about the medication they use.
"They are our main bowlers and it would have been a big setback for the team to see them return home. But I am sure they can prove their innocence," he said. "It was a bit of a shock. But I know our players don't do such things. The board will give them a fair chance to clear themselves," Inzamam added.