Pakistan bowler, Mohammad Asif initially tested positive for the steroid nandrolone during the Champions Trophy in 2006. During that time, he claimed innocence over using the substance. Although he was initially banned, it was lifted after charges were scrapped due to an appeal made by his legal counsel.

The second time around, it was in 2008 during the Indian Premiere League. This time he was given a one-year ban, which started this February. However, the ban was backdated to September 2008. By September 22, 2009, the ban was finally lifted.

He was then again eligible to play for this year’s Champions Trophy. He started his training this week with the Pakistan team in Johannesburg. Last Thursday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took Asif for a mandatory steroid testing.

According to a member of the team management, the test was part of ICC’s anti-steroid policy. Last 2007, the council started target-testing players who have previous records of steroids use. This was in addition to the regular random drug testing.

During the tournament opener, Asif was not included in the five-wicket win over the West Indies. It was not yet confirmed if he would be playing against India on Saturday.

From ESPN cricinfo:

Mohammad Asif, the Pakistan fast bowler, was taken for an ICC dope test during a team practice session in Johannesburg on Thursday. Asif has tested positive twice before for the steroid nandrolone, once at the inaugural IPL last year, and ironically, once just before the last Champions Trophy in India in 2006.