Asif fined but cleared for Champions Trophy by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

Mohammad Asif

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DateLine: 2nd July 2009

 

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday fined controversial fast bowler Mohammad Asif Rs 1 million for his involvement in a drug case in Dubai, but also paved the way for his comeback to the national team for the Champions Trophy later this year.

 

According to the PCB, the fine was imposed on the recommendation of a three- member probe committee that found the pacer guilty of bringing Pakistan and the country's cricket to disrepute last year when he was detained in Dubai for possession of 0.23 grams of hashish. Asif had then spent 19 days in detention in Dubai while returning from India after playing in the first edition of the Indian Premier League.

 

"The fine of Rs 1 million is for his misconduct and possession of hashish in Dubai. But Asif will be clear to play for Pakistan once he completes his 12-month ban for the failed dope test," PCB chief operating officer Saleem Altaf said.

 

Asif was banned for 12 months by the drugs tribunal of the IPL for failing the dope test. The ban started from September although the pacer had appealed that his suspension be considered from July when the PCB had also stopped him from playing.

 

"We will be sending his name in the provisional list of players for the Champions Trophy to the ICC as his ban ends on September 22 and the event begins from the 24th," Altaf said.

 

Altaf also said that there was no reason now for Asif not to be considered for the Champions Trophy.

 

"On technical grounds his ban ends on September 22 after which he is a free man. So we will definitely want him in the playing squad," he added.

 

The official pointed out that as far as the Dubai case was concerned the fine has been imposed as punishment, even though Dubai authorities did not press any criminal charges against the pacer. The three-member committee was headed by former Test player Wasim Bari, who is also director human resources in the board. The recommendations got delayed as the committee had asked Asif to provide evidence from Dubai confirming he could enter the Emirates state again.

 

Though Asif did not submit the documents but his passport has a valid UAE visa stamped on it. The medium-pacer himself was a relieved man after coming to know that his name is being considered for selection in the Champions Trophy squad.

 

"I am delighted I will be considered for selection again but as far as the fine is concerned I will consult my lawyer about it. But the most important thing for me is to resume my career in September," Asif said.