Decision on Asif's return tomorrow

A decision on the return of pacer Mohammad Asif, detained for allegedly carrying contraband drugs, to the country would be taken in Dubai tomorrow, the Pakistan Cricket Board said here today.

"It is all rubbish that any charges have been dropped against him or he is being released tonight. The public prosecutor will decide tomorrow what to do," Nadeem Akram, PCB Director Administration, told PTI from Dubai.

In fact, with Dubai going through a period of mourning following a death in the royal family there, the PCB was afraid that the detained pacer's release might get delayed.

Akram said the Dubai authorities had sent the substance recovered from Asif's wallet for laboratory tests and also his blood and urine samples.

"Two reports have been received today while one will be available tomorrow. The reports would be studied by the public prosecutor who will also have a word with police officials and Asif, after which he will decide whether there is sufficient ground to press any charges against Asif or to release him and allow him to return home," Akram said.

"We are expecting a decision from the prosecutor's office by noon and the law firm we have hired in Dubai are constantly in touch with the authorities," he stated.

Asif, who has appeared in 11 Tests and 28 one-dayers, was detained at the Dubai airport on Sunday morning when he was returning from India to Lahore.

Authorities found an alleged banned substance in small quantity from his possession.

Since the incident became public yesterday, television channels and newspapers have speculated about Asif's fate and some have even announced his release. But Akram said a decision would come on Friday.