PCB seeks ICC's help for Asif's travel to Emirates

Karachi:

Desperate to play dope tainted pacer Mohammad Asif in next month's one-day series against New Zealand, the Pakistan Cricket Board has sought ICC's help in getting clearance from the Dubai authorities.

PCB chairman Ejaz Butt said on Monday that the board was doing its best to get clearance for Asif to travel to the Abu Dhabi and Dubai for the series starting November 3.

"We have also approached the ICC and sought their assistance in this matter," Butt said without elaborating much.

Asif is barred from entering the Emirates after he was detained in Dubai for 19 days last year for the possession of a banned substance.

The Dubai authorities found a small quantity of hashish in his wallet when he was returning from India after playing in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League. Though Asif was released without being charged but he was deported from Dubai, which means he cannot travel to the Emirate state.

Butt said the PCB was already in touch with the Dubai authorities to get Asif's clearance to play in the series. "We are hopeful that he will eventually get clearance from the Dubai authorities but right now it is difficult to say if our efforts would bear any result," he said.

Asif was fined ten lakh rupees by the PCB for his Dubai detention ordeal and later the drugs inquiry tribunal of the IPL also banned him for 12-months for having tested positive for a banned substance.

He recently returned to the national team after completing the ban in the Champions Trophy, playing just one match against Australia but Butt said the board and selectors were keen to get the Dubai case cleared.

Asif, who is presently playing domestic cricket, said he had left the matter to the PCB and was hopeful something positive will come out soon.

"I am working hard on my fitness and form and I just want to do well for my country against New Zealand," he said.