‘Asif fate hangs with ruler’

By Bipin Dani

Mumbai

June 10: Pakistani paceman 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 Dubai’s ruler. His fate may now be decided by the UAE Sheikh, according to the bowler’s closest friend Mani in Lahore.

"I have been told by PCB official Shafqat Naghmi about the latest developments," Mani said over telephone from Lahore on Tuesday. "The other PCB official — Nadeem Akram, who had specially been flown to Dubai for his release, will be 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.

"Mohammad Asif’s parents are shocked and they are 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 Chisty, the Shekhupura Cricket Association secretary, said over telephone.

"His family members do not intend to go to Dubai unless he is charged and sent to jail," Akram, said before leaving Dubai.

"The pace bowler is on contact daily with his family back home," he further added.