'Concerned' PCB to send Asif to South Africa via London, not Dubai

Lahore, Sep.16 (ANI): To avoid any further problems, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would be sending tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif to South Africa for the ICC Champions Trophy via London instead of Dubai.

While the rest of the team will travel to South Africa via Dubai, Asif would take the route via London to avoid any trouble that the PCB feels may arise if the disgraced bowler flies via Dubai.

It may be noted that Asif was detained for 19 days at the Dubai International Airport last year for possessing a banned substance.

"Right now we are focusing on the Champions Trophy so we are sending him via London to avoid any untoward situation," PCB's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Wasim Bari said.

Bari said the board has asked the concerned authorities in Dubai to explain the status of Asif's case, as Pakistan has to play New Zealand in an ODI series in the Arab nation. The matches would be played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

"We have a series in Abu Dhabi and Dubai against New Zealand coming up, so we need to be sure beforehand whether he (Asif) can travel to Dubai again," The Daily Times quoted Bari, as saying.

Meanwhile, when asked about his flying schedule, Asif said he is unaware about it as he is concentrating on the Champions Trophy only.

"I don't even know when I will fly for Johannesburg. But I will leave it up to the board to handle the case and will do whatever they want me to do. For me, the Dubai detention chapter is closed once I returned home," Asif said. (ANI)