Mohammad Asif to Return to International Circuit against West Indies

Star Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif is all set to return to international circuit after serving one year doping ban. Pakistan will face West Indies in their first match of Champions Trophy 2009 today and it is expected that the pacer will make his international come back through this game.

Mohammad Asif was banned from international cricket for a year as he was tested positive in a drug test during inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL). Following that incident, Asif was caught at the Dubai airport with illegal drug opium and was kept in custody for 19 days in Dubai.

Mohammad Asif broke into international circuit with Pakistan’s home test series against South Africa in January 2005. He did not take time to prove his talent and skill as a pacer. Because of his excellent line and length, and ability to swing the ball on both ways, he was soon compared with former Australian great Glenn McGrath. Now, let us see if Asif can make a strong come back against West Indies if he is given a chance. However, coach Younis Khan and Intikhab Alam have said that they are now expecting anything special from Mohammad Asif as it is his come back match.

Related article:

Cricket Next

Mohammad Asif Faces Monetary Fine, not Ban

(This entry was originally published on Monday, March 2nd, 2009)

Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif has been out of international cricket for more than six months now due to suspension imposed on him as he was arrested in Dubai airport last June for carrying opium while coming back from India to Pakistan after taking part in Indian Premier League 2008. Pakistan Cricket Board has formed a three-member investigation committee which will probe into the case and submit its recommendation by the end of March. Reports out in the media suggest that the committee might impose any ban on Asif, rather it would recommend PCB to impose a monetary fine on the bowler.

Asif is one of the key bowlers for Pakistan at this moment and his absence in Pakistan squad decreases the squad strength and this is perhaps the reason for which PCB inquiry committee intends not to ban him for any duration. Well, I also think that PCB should not ban him from international cricket because the player has already been out of cricket for a number of months now and there is no need to hand him a ban from international cricket.

Related article:

The Hindu