Dope tests in cricket next year

The International Cricket Council has decided to start doping tests in cricket from next year, a cricket official said in Karachi on Friday.

"The ICC has written to all member countries that it is starting doping (tests) in international cricket and have asked for their suggestions in the matter," a spokesman for the Pakistan Cricket Board told SADA.

Doping is common worldwide in international events but has not been seen in cricket until now.

The procedure will begin with the Youth World Cup in New Zealand next year.

"The ICC has decided to hold dope tests in international cricket with the 2003 World Cup to be held in South Africa," he said.

Taking performance-enhancing drugs is common in international sports although they are banned by all sports organizations. Athletes and weightlifters are the most common offenders who use drugs to enhance their performance.

"Pakistan also backs this idea of having dope tests because taking performance enhancing drugs goes against the spirit of the game," the spokesman said.

Indo-Asian News Service