Proteas can't use 'ignorance excuse' for steroids, says SA team doctor, By: Patrick Compton

October 20, 2006

Ahmedabad: Nandrolone, the anabolic steroid allegedly used by Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif, cannot be taken inadvertently, at least in South Africa, says the Proteas' team doctor, Mohammed Moosajee.

"Nandrolone is only available in an injectable form, so it cannot be inadvertently administered. It has to be taken willingly and knowingly," he said.

Dr Moosajee said the word "inadvertently" means that a drug is used without knowing it, or that it was performance-enhancing. This no longer constituted a defence.

"In the professional era we find ourselves in, athletes can't claim ignorance as an excuse any more.

"Your body is your own property and responsibility, and Cricket South Africa makes sure that all players are educated about drugs with the use of a comprehensive booklet issued by the South African Institute of Drugs in Sport.

"Every cricketer has a book as well as all the physiotherapists, team doctors and fitness trainers."

Dr Moosajee said that Nandrolone promoted strength and explosiveness. It also helped with training and recovery.

He said anabolic steroids had harmful side-effects. "They can be horrific. Nandralone can affect liver function, cause kidney damage and the enlargement of other organs.

"People also have issues with baldness and infertility. It's a really dangerous agent and I would never recommend it."

Would it help a fast bowler to bowl longer and faster? "For sure. He would be much more explosive, and have a lot more strength.

"Sprinters also have used it, for example Linford Christie."

The doctor said that in the three years since Cricket South Africa began testing, none of their cricketers had tested positive. "Regular testing is done during our domestic competitions through the offices of the South African Institute of Drugs in Sport."

This week, the chief executive of the ICC, Malcolm Speed, said that half the full members of the organisation tested their players outside ICC events. These countries are Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, New Zealand and England.