Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to ‘target test’ players for banned substances during the World Cup to prevent yet another dope embarrassment after the one involving Pakistan pace duo Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif.

The ‘target tests’ will be in addition to ICC’s commitment to randomly test four players — two from each side — in 17 of the tournament’s 51 matches.

ICC CEO Malcolm Speed said the ‘target tests’ coupled with random examinations, would help conduct a dope-free tournament.

“We want to make it absolutely sure that all players who take part in the World Cup do so on the basis that they are free from banned substances,” Speed said on Thursday.

“Having the option means that if a player does have anything in his system, then there is a very strong possibility he will be caught,” he said. (PTI)