Disgraced pace bowler Mohammad Asif on Tuesday completed a 12-month ban, which was imposed on him for failing a dope-test during inaugural Indian Premier League, but Pakistan team management is yet to decide about playing him in the Champions Trophy.
Although Asif is rearing to play in the eight-nation tournament in South Africa, where Pakistan will start their campaign by taking on the West Indies tomorrow, team manager Yawar Saeed was yet to take a final call about Asif.
"That decision will be taken by the team management. We have to be absolutely sure that he is ready both mentally as well as physically for a comeback to international cricket," Saeed said from Johannesburg.
Asif will have his first official practice session with the national team on Tuesday in Johannesburg, after which the tour selection committee will decide whether he is fit to play in the first match.
"If they feel that Asif is ready for his comeback then definitely it will be a big boost for the team as he is a quality bowler," Saeed said.
Asif was banned last year by the IPL's drugs inquiry tribunal for failing a dope test while playing for the Delhi Daredevils team, which also led to termination of his lucrative contract with the franchise.
{{/usCountry}}Asif was banned last year by the IPL's drugs inquiry tribunal for failing a dope test while playing for the Delhi Daredevils team, which also led to termination of his lucrative contract with the franchise.
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