Sport | Cricket
Asif's career could be over if found guilty by WADA
We are hopeful that the matter would be resolved soon, says Naghmi
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:08 June 5, 2008
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Asif dropped from Pakistan squad for tri-series
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Pakistan seamer Asif detained at Dubai airport on drug charges
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Pakistan fast bowler Asif detained in Dubai
PCB hopes for Asif's safe return, stresses no charges have been made
Dubai: The fate of controversial Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Asif, who is currently being detained at the Dubai airport detention centre for possessing contraband drugs, hinges on the outcome of laboratory tests being conducted on the substance.
Dubai authorities are also awaiting the result of tests on his blood and urine samples.
Shafqat Naghmi, the Pakistan Cricket Board's chief operating officer, on Wednesday told a press conference in Lahore: "Until the reports come, nothing is moving forward," Naghmi said.
"The situation at the moment remains he is not charged but is under investigation. It might take some more time for this matter to be resolved."
Hopeful
"We are hopeful that the matter would be resolved soon and the whole affair would prove to be a big mistake."
Dubai airport customs authorities took Asif into custody on Sunday morning soon after he arrived from India on a 15-hour transit stay en route to Pakistan.
On Wednesday Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE Ahsan Ullah Khan told the media that he was 'optimist and always hopeful' of Asif's release.
"We hope there is a positive outcome so that he can be released at the earliest and leave for Pakistan," he told IANS.
However, Asif is no stranger to controversy.
In 2006 he was banned for a year after he and fellow Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar tested positive for the steroid Nandrolone. The ban was lifted two months later following an appeal.
If formally charged in Dubai Asif's career could be all but over as he would be handed a life ban by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
WADA take a strong view if a sportsman is a second time offender in drug-related issues.
Meanwhile in India, the Indian Premier League said that Asif might be disallowed from playing in future editions of the tournament if he is found guilty.
Last month organisers of the tournament hurriedly called in WADA officials to conduct random dope tests on players after it was reported that Akhar was questioned by Pakistan customs officials for possessing 36 syringes.
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