PCB Unsure of Asif in Series Against Kiwis

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keeping its fingers crossed on the request for a clearance for fast bowler Mohammad Asif to play in next month's limited-overs series against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates.

PCB had approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking its assistance to get Asif cleared for the series scheduled November 3-13 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

It is not clear whether Asif, who was detained in Dubai last year over possession of a small quantity of drug, will be allowed to enter the UAE for next month's series.

A PCB official said on Saturday that the Board was awaiting a reply from the authorities on whether Asif will be allowed to enter the UAE. The series includes three One-day Internationals in Abu Dhabi and two Twenty20 games in Dubai.

According to Pakistan chief selector Iqbal Qasim, Asif is an automatic choice for a place in the Pakistan team but the selection committee needs a go-ahead from the Board before picking him in the squad.

Asif is coming back to rhythm and made his presence felt at the Gaddafi Stadium, taking 5 for 35 to help National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) bowl out Water and Power Development Authority for just 133.

Asif was barred from entering the UAE after he was detained in Dubai for 19 days last June for the possession of opium when he was returning home after featuring in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League.

Asif was later released without being charged but he was deported from Dubai, which means he cannot travel there.

The lanky pacer was handed a one-million-rupee fine by the PCB for his Dubai detention 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.