Asif to play for Leicestershire by AFP

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Player:

Mohammad Asif

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DateLine: 30th November 2005

 

Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Asif will play for Leicestershire in the 2006 English County Championship, the county announced on Wednesday.

 

The 22-year-old Pakistan A player claimed 10 wickets in England's embarrassing defeat in their early tour match on the sub-continent and made the squad for the final Test in Lahore, although he did not win a starting place.

 

Asif, whose potential was first spotted by Leicestershire academy director Phil Whitticase, will play at least half the season but his full availability will only be determined once Pakistan's touring party for their trip to England has been finalised.

 

"I am sure we will hear a lot more about Mohammad Asif in the years ahead and we hope that he makes a big impact here at Grace Road," said Leicestershire chairman Neil Davidson.

 

"He certainly impressed Phil Whitticase when he played for our second XI in the 2004 season and we were on his trail when he shot to prominence with his match-winning performance against England.

 

"He sees this as a big opportunity to further his ambitions and develop his game in English conditions."

 

Whitticase added: "He is a tall, lanky bowler with the ability to generate great pace. He certainly proved to be a handful when he played for our second XI and we felt back then that he was one we should keep a close eye on."

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)