Asif's fate likely to be decided today

Lahore, Jun 5 (UNI) Dismissing reports that the charges have been dropped against pacer Mohammad Asif, who was detained for allegedly carrying contraband drugs by the Dubai authorities, the PCB said a decision will be taken today by the public prosecutor.

''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,'' the PCB Director Administration Nadeem Akram said yesterday.

Akram further informed that the banned substance recovered from Asif's wallet along with his blood and urine samples have been sent to laboratory tests.

''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.

The PCB also fears that the pacer's release might get delayed due to a death in the royal family beacuse of which Dubai is going through a period of mourning.

Earlier, 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.

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