Pak pacer Asif wants to make up for lost time
November 23rd, 2009 - 2:56 pm ICT by ANILahore, Nov. 23 (ANI): Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif is looking at the brighter side of his absence from international cricket for two years, saying that he got time to recover from a crucial elbow injury which could have doomed his cricketing career prematurely.
“In fact it was a blessing for me as I was suffering from elbow injury at that time. Had I not rested that long maybe my career would have been over by now. But I have recovered from the problem,” The Nation quoted Asif, as saying.
The 26-year-old pacer’s career plummeted after he failed a dope test during the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) inaugural season.
Asif, who is part of Pakistan’s squad for the three-match Test series against New Zealand, reckons that he is fully prepared to make up for the lost time.
“Wickets in New Zealand will definitely suit my bowling style and now I am fully geared up to play a leading role in the Test series. Before coming to New Zealand I have played five first class matches and my rhythm has returned,” he said.
Asif was not selected for the ODI series against New Zealand held in UAE earlier this month following his deportation last year. He was arrested on Dubai Airport over the drug possession charges in June 2008.
Recalling those days, Asif said he felt so dejected that he decided to quit cricket at one stage but “only with my family and friends support I stayed in the game. ”
“I have learnt my lessons and will not repeat the mistakes that I has done. People say that I follow Sohaib Akhter but that is not the case. I live a normal life and still scandals are made,” Asif said. (ANI)
- Asif gearing up for Test series in New Zealand - Nov 22, 2009
- Asif targeting Kiwi series to announce his Test comeback - Nov 22, 2009
- Asif wants to help Pak win in New Zealand - Nov 16, 2009
- Sreesanth replaces injured Praveen Kumar in India's World Cup squad (Lead) - Feb 08, 2011
- Johnson undergoes toe surgery, ruled out for six months - Dec 01, 2011
- Franklin to replace injured Ryder for ODI series against India - Nov 24, 2010
- Pak favourites to win T20 World Cup : Asif - Apr 17, 2010
- Lee needs to play more cricket before ODI comeback, says Hilditch - Oct 27, 2010
- 'Back to best' Lee fires ODI comeback hopes - Oct 30, 2010
- Cummins may also miss ODI series: NSW chief - Jan 09, 2012
- BCCI should rotate players to cut injuries: Akram - Aug 31, 2011
- Injured Ryder ruled out of Sri Lanka tour - Jul 21, 2010
- My role in a team is to bowl over 150ks to intimidate batsmen, take wickets: Lee - Dec 14, 2010
- Malinga retires from Test cricket, to play ODIs and Twenty20s - Apr 22, 2011
- Graham Onions may walk into first Test team - Jan 10, 2012
Tags: akhter, bowling style, brighter side, deportation, dope test, drug possession charges, dubai airport, elbow injury, family and friends, first class, inaugural season, international cricket, mohammad asif, odi series, pacer, premier league, scandals, test series, uae, wickets
