Pakistan not to put pressure on returning Asif by AFP

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Event:

ICC Champions Trophy 2009/10

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DateLine: 14th September 2009

 

Pakistan captain Younus Khan and coach Intikhab Alam Saturday said they would not put pressure on paceman Mohammad Asif who makes his comeback in the Champions Trophy after a one-year doping ban.

 

The 26-year-old fast bowler was recalled to the Pakistan squad for this month's Champions Trophy after his ban expires on September 22 following a failed dope test in the Indian Premier League (IPL) last year.

 

Younus said Asif would be given space to get his form back.

 

"We are not going to put pressure on Asif because he is coming after a one-year gap and I would also expect the fans not to expect much of him," Younus told reporters at the training camp.

 

Pakistan, who were originally to host the tournament before it was moved over security fears, are in Group A of the eight-nation event to be held in South Africa from September 22 to October 5.

 

Pakistan start their campaign with a match against 2004 champions the West Indies on September 23.

 

"We will see how he copes and then decide whether to play him in the first match or not," said Younus of the paceman who last played for Pakistan in a one-day match against Bangladesh in April 2008.

 

"I wish him the best, and hope that he gets five wickets against India and helps us win that game," Younus said on a lighter note about Pakistan's crucial match against India on September 30.

 

Pakistan also play Australia in their last group match on September 30.

 

Asif, who burst onto the scene in 2005, hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in 2006 when, along with controversial fellow paceman Shoaib Akhtar, he tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone.

 

Akhtar was banned for two years and Asif for one year, but the bans were overturned on appeal.

 

Asif was also detained at Dubai airport for 19 days while returning from India after featuring in the IPL in 2008 after he was found in possession of opium. He was later deported.

 

Asif is training separately with the Pakistan Under-19 team as he cannot attend preparation camp for the Champions Trophy until his ban expires.

 

Younus said Asif was a potential match-winner and would be needed for future matches.

 

"We had to bring him back as he is a quality bowler and even if he doesn't perform in this event, we would hope that he comes in better shape for our tours to New Zealand and Australia later this year."

 

Coach Alam also believed Asif should be given space.

 

"Asif is one of the best new ball bowlers, but for this event we will have to give him time," said Alam.

 

"He will perform with every match and I am confident that he is in a very good physical condition."

 

Pakistan fly out on September 17 and play two warm up matches before the tournament starts.

(Article: Copyright © 2009 AFP)