Asif stays in detention, no decision on trial

Mohammad Asif continues to languish in detention with the Dubai Attorney General and Public Prosecutor's office on Monday not taking any decision on whether to trial the Pakistani pacer for alleged possession of contraband drugs or deport him.


The law firm hired by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to bail out Asif also declined to make any comments on the issue that has become an increasing source of embarrassment for Pakistan's cricket authorities.


Nadeem Akram, the senior PCB official in Dubai, said no decision had been taken on Asif's case and they were still awaiting a word from the Attorney General's office.


"All these rumors off him being charged are not true. I will not substantiate them. The position is that the AG has yet to decide on the report of the Prosecutor and until that is done Asif will remain in detention," Akram said.


No official was willing to give a deadline on when a decision from the authorities in Dubai can be expected, an indication that perhaps the pacer's ordeal is far from over.


Sources close to the case said that the board, despite its best efforts, was also still not sure if Asif would be released as there was now a 50-50 chance of the case going either way.


Senior board officials also said to have raised the Asif issue with Pakistan's top security official Rehman Malik in Islamabad on the sidelines of a meeting held to review security arrangements for the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy.


The pacer on Sunday appeared before the prosecutors along with his lawyers following which the case was forwarded to the Attorney General of Dubai.


Asif remained detained since he was caught with contraband drugs at the Dubai airport on his arrival from

Mumbai on June 1. Asif was going to Lahore after playing in the Indian Premium League for the Delhi Daredevils.


The fast-bowler would face a minimum of four years in prison if charged and found guilty.


Akram, meanwhile, told Khaleej Times that Asif's lawyers have sought a meeting with the Dubai Attorney General.


"Our lawyers have requested a meeting with the Dubai Attorney General but no time has been fixed as yet," Akram said.


Chief Prosecutor Mohammed Rustom told the daily that a decision was expected any time this week.


"If the case is referred to the court, what kind of charges will be pressed against him has still to be

determined. We cannot anticipate the results of the ongoing investigation," Rustom said.