Mohammad Asif raring for Test comeback

Mohammad Asif, the Pakistan fast bowler, who is hoping to play his first Test in more than two years later this month has vowed to make up for lost time due to several drug-related controversies. Asif, 26, has been named in Pakistan's squad for the three-Test series against New Zealand, which starts November 24.

"I have not played in New Zealand but have heard a lot about the pitches and conditions there and hopefully if I can get a chance I will make an impact," Asif said. "The key is to focus on just cricket and try to make up for lost time."

He has already made his limited-overs comeback during the ICC Champions Trophy after a year-long suspension for testing positive for the banned substance nandrolone. He showed off his ability in his first game on return by grabbing two wickets as Pakistan nearly scripted a sensational turnaround against Australia.

Originally named in the one-day side and Twenty20s to take on New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, he was left out since he is banned from entering the UAE after being stopped with a small quantity of opium at Dubai airport last year (criminal charges were not pressed).

Asif is tuning up for his Test return by playing Pakistan's domestic first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he has taken 23 wickets in five matches. "The good thing is that I have been playing regularly in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches," he said. "That has helped me find my rhythm and form and get my confidence back. There is nothing better for a bowler then to bowl in the longer version of the game."

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Asif to miss New Zealand games

Mohammad Asif will miss the limited-overs series against New Zealand because he cannot travel to the United Arab Emirates.

Asif was detained for 19 days in Dubai in June last year after authorities found a small quantity of opium in his possession.

He was released without charge but, at a hearing conducted by the PCB earlier this year, Asif could not prove he was not deported.

Pakistan are scheduled to play three one-dayers and two Twenty20 internationals against New Zealand in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in November.

"Asif cannot play in the series against New Zealand because he cannot go to UAE," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt said.

"He was deported from Dubai and, according to regulations, he cannot enter that country."

Asif returned to the Pakistan team for the Champions Trophy in South Africa after serving a one-year ban for testing positive for nandrolone during the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League last year.

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PCB wants Asif to play in Dubai, seeks ICC assistance

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is trying hard to help tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asifobtain clearance from the Dubai authorities to

enable him to play in the One-day series against New Zealand next month.

PCB chief Ijaz Butt said that the board has also approached ICC to ask the authorities to allow Asif to play in Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the series starting November 3. "We have sought ICC's assistance in this matter," the Daily Times quoted Butt, as saying.

Asif was banned from entering the United States of Emirates (UAE) after he was detained for 19 days at the Dubai International Airport last year for possessing a banned substance.

The PCB had also slapped a fine of one million rupees on Asif for his Dubai ‘misadventure'.

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