Asif Decision On Ice For Now

Asif - will have to wait a little longer.

A decision on speedster Mohammad Asif's Dubai drugs issue can only be taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, the PCB confirmed.

Asif was detained at the Dubai airport for 19 days in June this year after customs officials found a small quantity of a white powder in his possession. However, the authorities in UAE deported the Pakistani bowler without pressing any charges.

The PCB appointed a three-member panel to probe the issue, but with chairman Nasim Ashraf resigning earlier this month, no decision has been made on their recommendations.

"It is now up to the new head of the Board to decide on our recommendations," said PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi, who also led the fact-finding panel.

"Until then, this issue would remain in cold storage.

"In any case, Asif has already been suspended from all forms of cricket because of his positive dope test in the Indian Premier League."

Asif is due to appear before an IPL drugs tribunal after testing positive for nandrolone during the tournament in May. He could be banned for a minimum of two years.

Ashraf delayed a decision on the issue to fit in a lengthy vacation in the United States into his schedule. He resigned on the day he returned to Pakistan from his vacation.

Naghmi said he expected a new chairman to be appointed sometime next month.