Asif departs IPL

Mohammad Asif has had well-documented problems with illegal substances

Pakistan paceman Mohammad Asif has terminated his contract with the Indian Premier League team Delhi Daredevils.

The 26-year-old fast bowler tested positive for the banned drug nandrolone during the inaugural edition of the IPL last year and is due to appear before a drugs tribunal next week.

He was suspended from all forms of cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the positive test in July last year.

Asif was purchased by the Daredevils for US$650,000 and had signed a three-year contract with the GMR-owned team.

He played eight matches for the Daredevils, picking up eight wickets.

"Due to personal reasons I've taken this step," Asif said in a press release.

"It has not been easy requesting for this as I still have a contract valid for another two seasons, with lucrative financial benefits.

"Currently I'm undergoing tremendous amount of pressure at all ends and need to regain my focus on resolving matters by addressing them individually.”

Asif had flown into India with the primary objective to sort out financial issues with the IPL team, but had ended his contract after extensive talks with the team.

"My only purpose and wish is to play for my nation Pakistan again, and for that I need to disengage from any other cricket engagements and work towards this," Asif said.

"I have had a wonderful time playing for the Delhi Daredevils and I will continue to follow their progress and also the progress of the players who were my team-mates in the Indian Premier League and continue to be my friends thereafter," he said.

GMR said they respected the decision of the player.

"Asif was an integral part of the Delhi Daredevils team and we wish him all the best and appreciate and support his decision to prioritise playing for Pakistan again," sports director B Vanchi said.