Mohammaf Asif Not Included in The Team Against New Zealand Due to Entry Ban in UAE

LAHORE: Due to his entry being banned in the UAE, paceman Mohammad Asif cannot be a part of the upcoming series against New Zealand (Nov 3-13) to be held at neutral venues of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

To a question, Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board, Ijaz Butt disclosed that the board had received a report from the UAE authorities in which they have categorically said that Asif will be deported as soon as he lands there.

Asif was apprehended at Dubai airport in 2008 while returning to Pakistan from India after playing in the Indian Premier League when a small quantity of contraband substance was recovered from his wallet. He was released after being detained at the airport for 20 days.

The PCB, too, handed a one-million-rupee fine to Asif after the drugs inquiry tribunal of the IPL banned him for 12 months for testing positive for a banned substance. The one-year ban ended last month after which Asif was allowed to feature in the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

‘We inquired about Asif’s position in the UAE and after checking that, we can confirm that Asif cannot play there because if he goes there he will be arrested,’ Ijaz Butt said.