'I never did drugs'

November 10, 2006

Shoaib Akhtar’s career has been under threat ever since he was found guilty for doping. But Akhtar, who has filed an appeal against the two-year ban, handed out to him by the Pakistan Cricket Board drug tribunal has spoken out and plead innocent to committing any doping offence knowingly.

Akhtar about the dope test
In our briefing we were explained how to give a urine sample. That's about it. We were also briefed about certain steroids. We weren't told about nutrition supplements. We have had no doctor with the team since 2003. We have had no person who would explain that one could take steroids through nutrition supplements. We had no lecture to tell us about banned medicines. We are not doctors. After the Australia tour, I have broken 3 bones. I have back spasms, a broken fibula, and broken knees. I have taken so many medicines, any of which might have contained steroids that I was unaware of. You take anything to recuperate. You don't always know what it contains. I am not a doctor and we didn't even have any doctor with us. I have taken legal drugs and if they have reacted in some way, then I can't help it.

Akhtar on the appeal
They have jeopardized my career. So, should I sit quietly? I am hopeful that justice will be done. The doctor on the panel himself has said that a 2-20 nanogram level is a grey area and it can fluctuate. High-performance athletes have fluctuating levels. Recently, Greg Rusedski was caught for using banned steroids. His nandrolone level was 50. It was WADA who acquitted him.

I have given my evidence and university studies to support my evidence. I have explained in detail what I have taken and how it could affect my levels. I have not taken any injections, nor do I have any connections with such people, nor has Dr Tauseef ever told me to take anything. This is wrong. He is like an elder brother. He will never tell me to do anything that would jeopardise my future.

‘I am innocent’
I still maintain my innocence. Why would I do anything like this? I have bowled at a record 100 miles per hour. I have achieved enough for myself and for the country. Why would I jeopardise myself for 13 nanograms? People who have been caught have had levels of 150-200 nanograms. If I had to take something then it would have been for those levels, not for mere 13 nanograms.