Afailed dope test a couple of years ago, a bust-up with a team mate in the Pakistan dressing room and now, continued detention at the Dubai airport for carrying what is alleged to be contraband drugs. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif’s immense talent has always been balanced out with generous doses of controversy.

And while Asif stayed embroiled in the latest mess, the beleaguered pacer, detained here since Sunday, did get a mild reprieve today with the Dubai authorities not framing any charges against him.

According to Dubai customs officials, Asif was caught with 0.24gm of an illegal substance in his wallet and the substance was sent for laboratory tests. The 25-year-old was returning home after playing a crucial part in the Delhi Daredevils’ run to the semi-finals.

Immediate blood tests only confirmed that Asif was intoxicated.

Sohail Khan in Pak squad

There was more bad news for the fast bowler though. While the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to try and get him released, they have dropped him from the squad for the tri-series in Bangladesh, also involving India.

The selectors replaced Asif with young fast bowler Sohail Khan in the squad for the series starting June 8. A board official said the selectors consulted the PCB, captain Shoaib Malik and coach Geoff Lawson before calling up Sohail.

“We really don’t know when the Asif issue will be resolved and he doesn’t even have a visa for Bangladesh. Because of these logistical issues it has been decided to replace him with Sohail,” one official said.

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