18 October,2009 07:28 AM IST | | IANS
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keeping its fingers crossed on the request for a clearance for fast bowler Mohammad Asif to play in next month's limited-overs series against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates.
PCB had approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking its assistance to get Asif cleared for the series scheduled Nov 3-13 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
It is not clear whether Asif, who was detained in Dubai last year over possession of a small quantity of drug, will be allowed to enter the UAE for next month's series. A PCB official told IANS on Saturday that the Board was awaiting a reply from the authorities on whether Asif will be allowed to enter the UAE. The series includes three one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi and two Twenty20 games in Dubai.
Pakistan chief selector Iqbal Qasim said Asif is an automatic choice but the committee needs a go-ahead from the Board before picking him.
