Shoaib Akhtar happy to take dope tests

Lahore: Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar on Saturday moved to dispel any suggestion he was running away from dope tests ahead of the Champions Trophy, saying he will be the first to give a sample.

Pakistan will conduct dope tests on its 30-man preliminary Champions Trophy squad on Sunday to avoid any further embarrassment following paceman Mohammad Asif's failed test in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Akhtar, who tested positive for nandrolone in October 2006, said he has no fears ahead of the September Trophy, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

"I will be the first to give dope test on Sunday because I have no fears and will also give fitness test once I gain rhythm," said Akhtar, who was banned for two years for the positive test.

He and fellow paceman Asif tested positive in tests conducted internally by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Asif was banned for one year but the bans were overturned on appeals.

Akhtar and Asif cleared tests ahead of last year's World Cup in the West Indies before they pulled out due to injuries.

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