KARACHI - Pakistan have been allowed by cricket's world governing body to replace any members of their World Cup squad who fail drug tests that will be conducted next week, an official said yesterday. The move comes after Pakistani pace duo Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were banned in November for taking steroids and then controversially cleared on appeal.

KARACHI - Pakistan have been allowed by cricket's world governing body to replace any members of their World Cup squad who fail drug tests that will be conducted next week, an official said yesterday. The move comes after Pakistani pace duo Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were banned in November for taking steroids and then controversially cleared on appeal.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board is conducting dope tests of the 15-man squad to be announced for the World Cup and five reserve players, and under ICC rules we have the option to replace any player if he tests positive," PCB's Salim Altaf said.

Pakistan will announce their squad before the February 13 deadline set by the International Cricket Council. - Sapa-AFP