We didn’t do nuffin gov

Pakistani fast bowlers Shoaib Ahktar and Mohammed Asif both received bans (2 years and 1 year respectively) for failing drug tests for banned substance nandrolone. This is the first case of the use of performance enhancing drugs in Cricket (Shane Warne taking diuretics was only designed to improve his performance off the pitch…).

In true Pakistani style, though, the whole thing is shrouded in controversy – the players initially waived their rights to a secondary sample test, the equivalent of holding up your hands and saying “You got me”, but have since vowed to prove their innocence and appeal the decision, claiming, if nothing else, absolute ignorance. It’s all very bizarre and nonsensical.

Needless to say, this isn’t going to be put to bed for a while.