Dope Test ahead of ICC World Cup 2011 for Shoaib Akhtar and Kamran Akmal

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal were amongst the first players to be taken for random dope testing ahead of the ICC World Cup 2011, according to a source.

35-year-old Akhtar and 29-year-old Akmal were tested after a practice session on Wednesday by the International Cricket Council's drug inspectors, the source said.

"It's normal to test players before and during a tournament," SAMAA TV quoted the source, as saying.

"Nothing fishy about it. Others will also be tested," he added.

Akhtar, who has been recalled for the World Cup after being out of action for a major part of the last three years due to a spate of injuries, had tested positive for a banned drug nandrolone in 2006.

Pakistan face England in a practice match in the Bangladeshi town of Fatullah on Friday, where the ageing Akhtar needs to perform to show his fitness level, before Pakistan's World Cup opener against Kenya on February 23. (ANI)

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