Asif denies deportation claim

Karachi, April 28: Banned Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif has denied reports that he can`t enter United Arab Emirates for the next 25 years as a result of his 19-day detention in Dubai last year for possessing 0.24 grams of opium.

Asif`s management company, Portfolio World, issued a statement today denying reports in the media that said Asif was deported from Dubai last year.

"It is a 25-year-ban I had recommended for him for carrying drug," the media reported Shakir Hashim Al Darmakl, the Senior Public Prosecutor (Khalifa) in Dubai as saying.

Khalifa also said Asif`s eyes had been scanned before his deportation procedure was completed.

"If he tries to enter into this country (by any passport) again, he can easily be caught," Khalifa was quoted as saying. But Asif`s management company said there was no truth in these reports and it was an attempt to malign him.

"Asif was not found guilty of any charge last year in Dubai and returned home without facing any criminal charges," the statement said.

Asif, 27, is presently serving a 12-month ban imposed by the Indian Premier League drugs inquiry tribunal for failing a dope test last year while playing for the Delhi Daredevils.

His suspension ends in September after which he would be eligible to represent the country again.