Asif was only repatriated not deported: Ashraf

LAHORE - PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf asserted that Asif was only repatriated but not deported albeit reports in the international media said otherwise. A report in Dubai-based Khaleej Times said that Asif had been banned from entering the UAE.
"Since he is being deported for a drug-related offence, Asif is likely to face a life-long entry ban to the UAE," Khaleej Times said, adding that all his biometrics and eye-scanning procedures had been carried out."
Dr Nasim Ashraf said Asif had tested negative for use of banned drugs during the Indian Premier League and so was the case in Dubai.
"The Dubai police and the prosecutor acted professionally and conducted the case very efficiently. They handled the case according the law," said Dr Ashraf. He said Asif will not be playing in the Asia Cup and would be facing an internal inquiry.
"I have formed a fact-finding inquiry committee consisting of Shafqat Naghmi (chairman) with Zakir Khan and Nadeem Akram as its members. They have been asked to acquire all the documents related to the case, establish facts and after complete investigation, submit a report to me. The same report will be sent to the ICC," the PCB chairman said.
It has been learnt that the ICC has asked the PCB to submit a report about the fast bowler. An official of the ICC said that ICC would take a decision after receiving a report from PCB, which in return has announced to form a fact-finding committee to probe the matter.
"Based on the judgment's copy we will consider whether Asif can be pardoned or not. A crime is a crime and any player who has committed it will be punished," Dr Ashraf said."It is a relief that he has been released but it is a fact that this incident caused a lot of embarrassment and gave sleepless nights to the Board.
Meanwhile, PCB's Chief Operating Officer Shafqat Naghmi was quoted by Gulf News as saying: "We have yet to receive a copy of the judgment from our lawyers, or authorities in Dubai. We will have to study the case before passing a judgment on Asif."