Asif’s absence a great loss, says chief selector

DUBAI — There is a status quo as far as Mohammed Asif’s case is concerned.
Nadeem Akram, director human resources and administration with Pakistan Cricket Board told Khaleej Times: “The results of the blood and urine tests as well the substance found in bowler’s possession will be available by 12noon today. After the results the chief prosecutor will announce his decision.”
Asif has been detained at Dubai International Airport since Sunday after an alleged contraband substance was found in his wallet. Since then, the PCB has appointed legal counsel for him and sent a senior board official Nadeen Akram to Dubai to handle the case.
Salahuddin Ahmed, chief selector Pakistan Cricket Board, told Khaleej Times from Karachi on telephone: “It's a sad news for PCB because Asif is our frontline bowler and his absence will be a great loss to the team.
“He has been replaced by Sohail Khan, a leading wicket-taker in domestic cricket.”
Salahuddin added: “Though Asif is shattered by the ordeal in Dubai, he is a strong lad and will be ready for the Asia Cup going to be held in Pakistan from June 24.
“He is most likely to miss Bangladesh tour because the team will be leaving for Dhaka on June 6.”
But Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB’s chief operating officer, said while addressing a Press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday: “The Pakistan embassy in the UAE has also been contacted. Nadeem Akram has been there since that night. We are just hoping that Asif gets back as soon as possible, hopefully in time for the Bangladesh tri-series."
While answering a question about the team’s preparation for the tri-nation series, the chief selector said: “We have selected the best possible team and it looks like a balanced one.
“Some of our players (Sohail Tanvir, Kamran Akmal and Slaman Butt) have performed well in the recently concluded Indian Premier League.
“Although Shahid Afridi failed to deliver he has bowled well and a good batting performance is overdue from him in Bangladesh.
“Mohammed Yousuf scored a double century during his last match for Lancashire. The team is ready for the challenge in Bangladesh.
“Butt has improved as a batsman and newcomer Nasir Jamshed is a good prospect.
“The middle order comprising dependable Younis Khan, Yousuf and Misbahul Haq can pose problems for any team in the world.
“There are some good all-rounders in the form of Afridi, Shoaib Malik and Fawad Alam.
“Umer Gul, Rao Iftikhar and Tanvir are raring to go and we can foresee some good matches in Bangladesh.”
"There is no dearth of talent in Pakistan and we have included a new fast bowler in the squad.
"Wahab Riaz, a talented left-arm fast bowler from Lahore, looks like a good asset.
"He has attended the bowling camp supervised by one of the all-time greats Wasim Akram. Wahab may get chance to play against India and Bangladesh keeping in mind the pitch conditions.” There were rumours in the Press about coach Geoff Lawson that he may not come back to Pakistan citing some differences with the PCB officials. But the chief selector said: “Lawson is back with the team and the whole bunch is going to assemble in Karachi today.
“The team will hold practice sessions tomorrow (Thursday) before leaving for Bangladesh on June 6."