Asif’s fate to be decided by attorney general on Monday or Tuesday
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008\06\09\story_9-6-2008_pg2_2
Fast bowler Asif’s case referred to Dubai’s attorney general
LAHORE: The case involving Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Asif, who has been detained in Dubai for possession of an illegal substance, has been referred to the attorney general. Asif appeared before the public prosecutor on Sunday and the hearing was adjourned soon after the recommendations of the prosecutor were heard. The investigation into the matter has been completed, and the attorney general is expected to take up the case either on Monday (today) or on Tuesday (tomorrow). On the other hand, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is running from pillar to post to save the bowler from being prosecuted in Dubai.
“The public prosecutor has completed his proceedings in today’s hearing,” Mansoor Suhail, the PCB media director, said on Sunday. “He has provided his report to the attorney general and he will take further action on Monday,” he added. Detained since last Sunday, Asif also faces a dicey situation at home as pressure is mounting on the PCB to take action against him for getting involved in a drug scandal that has again brought a bad name to Pakistan cricket.
Nadeem Akram, the PCB official overlooking the case in Dubai, is hoping a decision will be made on Monday. “The chief prosecutor cross-examined the witnesses who were instrumental in finding the banned substance from the bowler,” he told media in Dubai. He said he had met Asif and found him to be in ‘high spirits’. “I met Asif as he needed some money and he was still in high spirits as he is innocent,” added Akram. If convicted, Asif could face a sentence of up to four years. Asif was banned for one year after he tested positive for the steroid nandrolone in October 2006. Fellow paceman Shoaib Akhtar was banned for two years on the same charge. The bans were however lifted on appeal two months later. Akhtar meanwhile is appealing a lifetime ban imposed in April for repeated disciplinary problems.