In a sensational development, Pakistan’s pace spearhead Mohammad Asif has been detained at the Dubai International airport for allegedly carrying contraband drugs. The 25-year-old Asif, who was on his way back to Pakistan after a stint in the Indian Premier League, was detained on Sunday.

The PCB has sent its Director of Human Resources Nadeem Akram to Dubai to co-ordinate with the Pakistan embassy officials and resolve the issue. “We are in constant touch with the concerned authorities. Asif has not been arrested but detained by the custom officials. We have sent the substance recovered from his luggage for lab testing,” Akram said from Dubai.

It was still not known what drug Asif was carrying but speculation was rife that it could have been opium or hashish. “Once the tests are completed we will know what the substance really is, what it contains. But we will handle everything in a transparent manner,” Akram said.

A PCB source said former Pakistan player and Director of National Cricket Academy Mudassar Nazar, who is in Dubai, has also been asked to help. Dubai authorities have conducted a blood test on Asif but results have not been divulged yet. Interestingly, when asked what substance had been recovered, Akram said it was a medicine prescribed by a local hakeem.

“He was carrying this substance in very small quantity in his wallet for the last four or five months and even forgot about it. He is also not sure what it is and it was prescribed to him for treatment of his elbow injury,” Akram said. “We have sent his blood and urine samples for testing and so far we have not got the results,” Akram said. Asif was picked in the Pakistan squad for the tri-series in Bangladesh this month on Monday. Asif has claimed 51 wickets in 11 Test matches. He has 36 wickets to his credit in 31 one-dayers.

... contd.