The Pakistan pacer Mohd Asif has been dropped from the squad for Bangladesh tri-series after he was detained in Dubai on suspicion of carrying drugs.
Sohail Khan will replace Asif in the squad for tri-series in Bangladesh.
The Dubai International airport authorities detained Asif for the possession of illegal drugs on Sunday when he was returning from India after taking part in the Indian Premier League.
Asif is likely to remain in detention in Dubai for at least three more days. In that case it was most unlikely that he could make it for the Bangladesh Tour slated to start from 8th June. The PCB decided to drop Asif when it became clear that he would not be able to play.
A Pakistan cricket board official also denied reports that claimed that charges against him have been dropped.
An official in the Pakistan consulate in Dubai told reporters: “There is no question of charges against Mohammad Asif being dropped (by UAE authorities) when no charge has been filed against him as yet.”
Discussions took place between Asif’s lawyer and prosecutors on Tuesday but results of his urine test are not yet out.
Asif was banned for a year and his teammate Shoaib Akhtar for two years after they tested positive for the steroid Nandrolone in October 2006 and missed The Champions Trophy. The ban was removed on appeal two months later.
PCB spokesperson Shafqat Naghmi said that Asif could face a life ban, if found guilty this time.
According to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, an athlete faces a life ban if he or she is found positive a second time. Asif was acquitted the first time.
IPL sources said Asif might be banned from future editions of the tournament if he was found guilty.
Various players were tested at random for dope during the IPL tournament that ended Sunday. IPL officials were reportedly planning to submit Asif’s recent samples for re-analysis.
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