Pakistan likely to recall Asif for Champions Trophy
July 4th, 2009 - 4:52 pm ICT by IANSKarachi, July 4 (IANS) Pakistan is seriously considering recalling Mohammad Asif in the 30-member preliminary squad for this September’s ICC Champions Trophy after the International Cricket Council (ICC) said it would not raise any objection against the pacer’s inclusion once he completes his doping ban.
An ICC spokesman has said that once Asif completes his one-year ban on Sep 22 this year, he will be eligible to take part in any international event including the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in South Africa. The biennial tournament is scheduled to get underway Sep 24.
A senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said that the board is seriously considering the idea of clearing Asif for the 30-man provisional squad for the Champions Trophy. Pakistan is planning to announce the preliminary squad July 23.
Saleem Altaf, PCB’s chief operating officer, said the board will soon take a decision about Asif’s inclusion in the national team.
The 26-year-old Asif was banned last year after he tested positive for banned anabolic steroid nandrolone while featuring in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Earlier this week, the decks were cleared for Asif to return to national duty when the PCB fined him Rs.1 million for a 19-day detention in Dubai over possession of a small quantity of opium.
The PCB also announced that the fast bowler will be eligible for national duty after his one-year ban for doping expires.
- Asif eyeing a successful comeback - Jul 10, 2009
- PCB fines Asif over Dubai misadventure - Jul 02, 2009
- Asif gets one-year IPL ban for positive dope test - Jan 30, 2009
- Asif asked to attend U-19 camp to prepare for Champions Trophy - Sep 12, 2009
- Four cricketers of current Pak squad undergo "dope tests" in England - Sep 16, 2010
- Butt believes Asif will be back in Pakistan squad soon - Jan 23, 2009
- PCB to consider Akhtar, Asif for Champions trophy: Bari - Jul 10, 2009
- PCB asks Asif to join coaching camp to assess his fitness - Aug 19, 2009
- Mohammad Asif undergoes dope test in Jo'burg ahead of India-Pak clash - Sep 25, 2009
- PCB recommends two million rupees fine for Mohammad Asif for Dubai misadventure - Jun 04, 2009
- Champions Trophy: Intikhab confident of Pakistan beating India - Sep 25, 2009
- Mohammad Asif vows never to repeat his past mistakes - Aug 26, 2009
- ICC's anti-doping team to visit Pakistan - Feb 08, 2009
- Asif clears 'tough' fitness test enhancing chances for Champions Trophy - Aug 21, 2009
- Dope tests conducted on Afridi, Malik - Sep 29, 2009
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