Lahore, Jan 12 (ANI): Suspended Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Asif has been barred from entering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after being deported from Dubai last year for possession of an opium substance weighing 0.24 grams.
Asif, 26, was detained at the Dubai International Airport for nearly three weeks in June 2008, for possession of a banned substance before public prosecutors determined that the amount of the drugs was insignificant and deported him.
The PCB officials at that time had revealed the nature of the substance, but court and police documents now finally confirm the details.
Asif was caught with the substance in his wallet when travelling back to Pakistan after competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was detained for 19 days before being released.
The documents available with the Daily Times shed light on the conclusion of the case, revealing that the public prosecutor advocated not filing criminal charges based on several factors: "That the accused was arrested at the Dubai Airport before being able to actually enter the state, the trifle amount of the drug, the serious consequence of putting him on trial and enforcing a judgment against him, and for the sake of avoiding pressures on courts and prisons."
Asif's urine sample taken at the airport was negative, however, putting to rest much speculation that Asif was intoxicated at the airport.
But during an interrogation with two investigators, Asif said he did not know of the nature of the substance, thinking it to be an herbal remedy and said he used it to boost his blood pressure and energy levels.
Asif is currently suspended from all forms of cricket by the PCB and is facing a separate inquiry for a positive steroid test at the IPL.
The Attorney General of UAE deported Asif and had his name put on a list of prohibited names who cannot enter the UAE. (ANI)
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