Shaoib, Asif in London to remove nandrolone from system?

Lahore, Feb 26 (UNI) Injured Pakistan pacers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have flown to London to get rid of traces of nandrolone in their bloodstream before giving their urine samples for the PCB dope tests prior to next month's World Cup.

Quoting sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board, 'The News' reported that the two bowlers left separately officially to consult a specialist for their respective knee and elbow injuries but the actual reason behind the trip is said to be the impending dope tests.

''Though the official version of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is that both the pacers are suffering from knee and elbow injuries, sources said they are making efforts to remove the traces of banned substance nandrolone from their systems before providing the urine samples to the PCB for dope tests,'' the newspaper reported.

The Pakistani World Cup contingent -- except for Shoaib and Asif -- has given their samples for dope tests. Eighteen of them have been cleared while the results of skipper Inzamam-ul Haq and all-rounder Shahid Afridi are still awaited.

Shaoib and Asif, who were earlier involved in a doping scandal during the Champions Trophy, are in danger of being banned for life if they flunk the tests this time Around.

The Pakistani selectors are set to meet tomorrow to decide the duo's fate before the team leaves for West Indies on March 1.

UNI