Asif relieved after returning home; thanks PCB for support

Lahore, Jun 20 (UNI) Relieved after arriving home after Dubai prosecutors dropped charges against him of possession of an illegal drug, fast bowler Mohammed Asif said he was innocent and had never used banned substances.

''Prior to this incident in Dubai they took two dope tests of mine in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both were clear,'' Asif told mediapersons here today.

''Even the tests taken by Dubai authorities came negative and there was no trace of any drug or substance in my body. I don't use these things,'' he added.

The pacer thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for supporting him during his ordeal.

''I am really thankful to the board chairman, who took so much interest in my release,'' he said.

Asif was detained at the Dubai airport on June 1 while returning to Pakistan from Mumbai after playing in the IPL.

Authorities found him to be in possession of a small quantity of contraband which was later found to be a recreational drug.

The 25-year-old medium-pacer was released last night after being in detention for 19 days.

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