by Saj Sadiq

 

Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Asif's cricketing career may currently be in the balance after the 5 year ban imposed on him by the ICC three-man tribunal in Doha, but according to Asif he is determined and desperate to clear his name and prove his innocence.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net; 28 year old Asif who has taken an impressive 106 wickets in only 23 test matches, stated that he was determined to clear his name and eager to recommence his cricketing career as soon as possible.

"I'm bitterly disappointed with the verdict that was announced in Doha. I am determined to totally clear my name and to get back to what I love doing and that is playing cricket for my country."

Asif further added that it was extremely painful for him to be sidelined for a tournament as prestigious as the World Cup which is currently ongoing in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and to be restricted to just watching the action from afar.

"It's tough watching the boys on television and not being part of the team. I find it really painful to watch and it really hurts that I'm not there at the World Cup with my team mates, playing for Pakistan. It's every cricketer's dream to take part in tournaments such as the World Cup and I am no different. It would have been an absolute honour to wear the green of Pakistan and help the boys bring the trophy home."

Asif who jointly holds the record with current Pakistan coach Waqar Younis for the Pakistani bowler to reach the mark of 100 test wickets in the fewest test matches, a feat that was achieved in only 20 tests, further added that he has nothing to hide regarding the spot fixing accusations and that he would welcome the opportunity to speak about the matter in detail, when appropriate.

"When the time is right, I will be prepared to speak to anybody regarding the spot fixing accusations, I have nothing to hide regarding the matter and I would welcome the opportunity to talk about the accusations in full detail."

A source close to Asif also confirmed that the Sheikhupura born paceman will be appealing to the Court of Arbitration of Sport in a bid to clear his name.

"Asif will definitely be going to the Court of Arbitration of Sport in Lausanne. He was very disappointed with the verdict in Doha and he wants to clear his name and prove to everyone that he was an innocent party in events at Lords against England last summer" stated the source.

Asif and his co-accused, pace bowler Mohammad Amir and former captain Salman Butt have also been charged by the UK Crown Prosecution Service with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments, and conspiracy to cheat, and have been summoned to appear in City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 17.

The source further added that Asif was prepared to go to any lengths to prove his innocence and is currently contemplating his next course of action with his legal advisors.

"Asif is in England at the moment and has been in discussions with his legal team regarding the future options available to him. Preparations for the Court of Arbitration of Sport Appeal have already commenced and Asif and his legal advisors are also preparing themselves for the criminal proceedings."