The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) began in-competition sample collection for first-class domestic cricket on 7 November, following a three-year education programme. In every first-class match, two players will be selected for testing through the use of a draw conducted by the match referee, or by the respective managers of the competing teams. Through the use of an independent anti-doping agency, the PCB will send samples to a laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to be analysed.

“In order to familiarise players and managements with doping issues, as we have been doing for the previous two years, the PCB also launched a Doping Awareness lecture series with all its regional as well as departmental teams appearing in first class cricket in 2014-15”, said Dr. Sohail Saleem, PCB’s head of Medical & Sports Sciences, in a media release. “These lectures were conducted throughout Pakistan by the staff of PCB’s Medical and Sports Sciences Department. More than 400 athletes and team management personnel attended this lecture series. It was reiterated to the players and management that since lack of education is no excuse for being tested positive, it is imperative that players appraise themselves with doping/anti-doping education.”