Asif backed by PCB

Paceman Mohammad Asif was detained on Sunday at Dubai airport © Getty Images

The Pakistan Cricket Board insist they will consider Mohammad Asif innocent until he is proven otherwise.

The Pakistani fast bowler was detained at Dubai International Airport on Sunday after a small quantity of a powder was found in his wallet by United Arab Emirates customs officials.

“We are hoping this is all a big mistake,” Shafqat Nagmi, chief operating officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board told a news conference.

“We consider him innocent until proven guilty. We are in touch with him. We hope it is a mistake and just a harmless issue and we have arranged legal counsul for him.”

Asif was on his way back to Pakistan from Mumbai where he had played with Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.

The PCB had rushed human resources director Nadeem Akram to Dubai to resolve the issue immediately on being informed of the case on Monday.

“The reports we have received so far have been good and encouraging,” Nagmi said.

“Asif is in good spirits and is looking to return home. No charges have been brought against Asif so far.

“The Dubai authorities themselves don’t know exactly what he was carrying. We are not clear on that aspect either. It is very difficult to say what can be carried on a plane.”

Nagmi denied reports a brawl between Asif and one of the airport staff had led to his detention.

“We have been in constant touch with Asif and he has told us nothing of a brawl.”

Nadeem Akram had earlier told reporters that the substance found in Asif’s possession had been sent to a laboratory for testing.

“Asif has also undergone blood and urine tests, but we have not received the results so far,” said Akram.