Asif case sent to Dubai court

Karachi: Its bad news for detained Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif as his case is now being sent to the Dubai court, sources said on Monday.

"Asif's case is now sent to court and the public prosecutor will produce evidence as a defendant in the case. If the court decides to punish Asif, only the ruler of Dubai is authorised to give impunity, otherwise Asif will have to serve the punishment," sources told cricketnirvana.com.

"The court can also dismiss the case and deport Asif on Tuesday but the Pakistan fast bowler would need huge luck for that to come about."

Earlier the chief prosecutor in the case, Mohammad Ali Rustam has ruled out any chance of a decision on Monday.

"We are assessing the case and I don't see any chance of a decision on the case on Monday. It may take one or two more days to get a verdict. The case is now in the hands of attorney general and we have passed all the information to him," Rustam said in a television interview.

The 25-year-old paceman is in detention since June 1. He was returning home from India after participating in the IPL. Asif was held up after he was found to have carrying an illegal drug in his wallet.

The case was referred to the Attorney General on Sunday after the prosecution completed the inquiry. Asif also appeared before the court on Sunday, which was adjourned soon after the recommendations of the public prosecutor were heard.

Pakistan Cricket Board director Human Resources Nadeem Akram, who is in Dubai for a week now to assist Asif, showed his disappointment over the delay. "WE were expecting a decision on Monday. Now we will have to wait. It is remain to be seen whether the attorney general frame charges against Asif or release him, we hope for the best," Akram told cricketnirvana.com from Dubai.

Pakistan Cricket Board, who is fighting for Asif's release, has also voiced concern. "We have been waiting for the decision. Once a decision is reached then only we will decide what course of action is to be taken against Asif," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf said.

"We are signatory to the WADA rules and regulations so we have to look at the case through those reules and regulations. If anything comes out against Asif, then we too will have to take the matter under WADA rules," said Ashraf.

God forbid, if that comes about, Asif's career is under dark clouds.