Ruler of UAE may take decision on Asif

The Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif, who has been detained at the Dubai International Airport Terminal 2 since June 1 for allegedly carrying contraband drugs, is now at the mercy of Shaikh ruler. His fate may now be decided by the ruler of UAE, according to the bowler's closest friend Mani in Lahore.

"I have been told by the PCB official Shafqat Naghmi about the latest developments", he said over telephone from Lahore on Tuesday afternoon. The other PCB official- Nadeem Akram, who had specially been flown to Dubai for his release, has been returning home tonight (without Asif).

"The Attorney General of Dubai could not take the final call. The ruler is now in England and till he returns to Dubai, chances of Asif's early release are remote," the friend further added.

"Asif's parents are shocked and they are much annoyed by the media attention on the whole episode that they locked their home and decided to move to some unknown location since the incident grabbed headlines," Moin Chistey, the Shekhupura Cricket Association secretary said over telephone.

"Mohammad Asif has been playing game for our club and we never found him to be a drug addict". "The 25-year-old Asif was born in Maacheekay a small village few kilo meters from here, where hardly 4000 to 5000 people are staying".

"Our club has produced other cricketers like Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Aaqib Javed, Kashif Raza".

"His family members are not intending to come to Dubai unless he is charged and sent to jail," the PCB official Nadeem Akram, said before leaving Dubai.

"Their passport holder family members may only think so if Asif is required to be sent to jail. The pace bowler is in daily contacts with his family back home. He has been phoning them 3-4 times a day from "pay phone" facility provided at the detention centre," he further added.

Nadeem Akram has booked his ticket for Lahore by Emirates flight. "Inshallah, I shall again return to Dubai to get Asif release soon," he added.

"Asif, if released, his travel arrangement for deportation shall be made by the authorities," Akram signed off.