The official confirmed that Asif would not join the team even if he was released in the next 24 hours, erasoning that the fast bowler would not be in the right frame of mind following his ordeal. The board would also like to talk to him regarding the whole episode, the official said.

His replacement, Sohail, made his debut against in the one-day series against Zimbabwe earlier this year.

Waiting for tests

Asif’s release now hinges on the outcome of the urine test he had undergone after being detained, said Ahsan Ullah Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE.

Pakistani diplomats and cricket board officials are optimistic of Asif’s early release, while refuting rumours that he had been released in the morning.

Earlier, Khan was quoted as saying that Asif’s detention was a result of a misunderstanding and that he was hopeful of the pacer flying home soon.

Release could be delayed

However, the PCB is concerned that, even after being cleared, Asif’s return home may be delayed with Dubai going through a period of mourning following a death in the royal family.

“As far as we know there has been no fresh development. Because there is a period of mourning in Dubai, his possible release could be delayed,” Shafqat Naghmi, PCB chief operating officer, said today. “It might take some more time for this matter to be resolved,” the PCB official said.

Another senior board official rubbished media reports claiming the PCB was pulling strings. “It is a high profile case and will be investigated as per their law. If the substance is contraband or banned, Asif is in trouble,” he said.