Support For Asif As He Awaits His Fate

Pakistan speedster Mohammad Asif's controversial career was plunged into another crisis when he was detained by authorities at Dubai International Airport allegedly for possession of drugs. Asif was returning to Pakistan from India following the end of the Indian Premier League where his team, the Delhi Daredevils, lost to Rajasthan Royals in the semi-finals. Asif was detained at the airport after a small quantity of a powder was found in his wallet by United Arab Emirates customs officials.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who had rushed human resources director Nadeem Akram to Dubai to help with Asif's release on Monday, said they were standing by their player and considered him innocent until proven otherwise.
"We are hoping that that this is all a big mistake," Shafqat Nagmi, chief operating officer of the PCB told a news conference on Tuesday.
"We consider him innocent until proven guilty. We are in touch with him. We hope it is a mistake and just a harmless issue. We have arranged legal counsel for him."
The PCB have hired leading legal firm Angel and Afridi to handle the case.
Nagmi said the PCB were hoping to get Asif back home as soon as possible.
"The reports we have received so far have been good and encouraging," Nagmi said.
"Asif is in good spirits and is looking to return home. No charges have been brought against Asif so far.
"The Dubai authorities themselves don't know exactly what he was carrying. We are not clear on that aspect either. It is very difficult to say what can be carried on a plane."
Asif was on Monday picked by Pakistani selectors for the tri-series against Bangladesh and India, due to start in Dhaka on June 8, but Nagmi said Asif's participation would depend on what transpires in Dubai.
"If he returns home quickly, that alone would be an indication that he is innocent," he said.
"Should that happen, there would be no question of disciplinary action being taken against him. But if charges are made against him, then he would be tried under UAE law."
Asif will appear before a magistrate of a special drugs court in Dubai where his lawyers will appeal. Even if eventually let off, he could still stay in custody while his case is made.
Nagmi said samples of the powder had been sent to a laboratory for testing but results were still awaited. When asked reasons for the delay, Nagmi only said: "I cannot comment as authorities in Dubai are supervising these aspects."
Nagmi denied reports that a brawl between Asif and one of the airport security personnel had led to his detention.
"We have been in constant touch with Asif and he has told us nothing of a brawl."
Nadeem Akram had earlier told reporters that Asif had provided blood and urine tests as a part of the investigation.
"Asif has also undergone blood and urine tests, but we have not received the results so far," said Akram.
Akram told Indian news channel CNN-IBN Asif had been given the substance by a hakeem, a traditional Islamic healer.
Akram said: "Apparently it was some drugs given to him by a doctor. It was a very small quantity, it was in his wallet. A small bit of powder.
"It is a medicine given to him by a hakeem in Dubai. It had been given to him some five to six months ago and he had forgotten about it."
Delhi Daredevils officials have refused to comment on the issue.
Should charges of drug possession be proven by Dubai authorities, he could serve a jail term from anywhere between four weeks and four years.
In October 2006, Asif and fellow fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar tested positive for the performance enhancing drug nandrolone in an internal dope test conducted by the PCB. Asif was initially banned for a year, but that ban was lifted on appeal a month later.
Before the 2007 World Twenty20 tournament, Asif was struck with a bat by Akhtar in a dressing-room altercation. Akhtar was sent home from South Africa and removed from Pakistan's squad, but Asif remained for the tournament, in which Pakistan were beaten by India in the final.