ICC steps up World Cup drug testing

The ICC will target-test players for banned substances at the World Cup because of the "embarrassment" of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif continuing to play after their drugs punishments were overturned. Malcolm Speed, the ICC's chief executive, said the new approach would be on top of random checks on four players - two from each side - in 17 of the 51 matches.

Tests will be able to be undertaken at any time from the start of the tournament's support period on Friday. The two Pakistan bowlers had their bans thrown out on appeal and the result sparked the tougher stance from the ICC, which says it was unable to intervene because the positive results came as part of Pakistan's internal testing.

"Both Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have played for Pakistan over the past few months despite testing positive for prohibited substances," Speed said. "That is a fact neither player has disputed and it is also a fact that has caused the game a high level of embarrassment as a result.

"We want to make absolutely sure that all players who take part in the World Cup do so on the basis that they are free from banned substances. Having the option to target-test as well as the already-scheduled tests in place means that if a player does have anything in his system then there is a very strong possibility he will be caught out."

The ICC's decision to increase its regulations comes as the World Anti-Doping Agency continues its fight to challenge the overturning of the bans on Shoaib and Asif. Pakistan will depart for the Caribbean without the two fast bowlers, who have spent the week in England for medical check-ups.