Asif inches closer towards Champions Trophy berth

Karachi, Aug.18 (ANI): Tainted Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, who is eyeing a place back in the national squad, has impressed chief selector Iqbal Qasim with his form and fitness in a low-profile match.

Qasim along with other member of the selection committee, Saleem Jaffer, watched Asif play during a match between youngsters attending an Under-23 Emerging Players Camp, and looked satisfied with the speedsters performance.

"He (Asif) seemed to be fine today," said Qasim.

Asif took a wicket giving away only 23 runs in his nine over spell in the match.

Qasim said Asif would be considered for the Champions Trophy, but the final decision in this regard will be taken only after holding talks with the captain and the coach.

"The final decision about the composition will be taken by the committee after we weigh all our options. We want to discuss each and every detail with the captain and the coach before taking a final decision on the Champions Trophy squad," The News quoted Qasim, as saying.

The 26-year-old pacer, whose career had plummeted after he failed a dope test during the Indian Premier League's (IPL) inaugural season, is hoping to find a place in Pakistani team after serving a one-year ban imposed by the PCB.

The PCB has already included the left hand seamer in the preliminary list of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy. (ANI)