Last Update on: January 9th, 2019 at 11:17 pm
Recently updated on January 9th, 2019 at 11:17 pm
Tainted Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif revealed its sorry state of affairs to see the double standards of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) when it comes to the fate of the players who have been directly or indirectly involved in corrupting the gentleman’s game in the past.
“Not once has anyone in the board or National Cricket Academy bothered to even call me and check about my fitness or form,” Asif was quoted as saying by PTI.
The willy customer Asif, who served his punishment after accepting the spot-fixing scandal which took place in the Lord’s 2010 when the right-arm bowler bowled a no-ball alongside left-arm bowling sensation Mohammad Amir.
Under the leadership of Salman Butt, the trio of Asif, Amir and Salman were banned which only saw the 25-year-old bowler Amir from Punjab making the return to Pakistan side in January 2016 against New Zealand.
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While accusing the PCB of being unfair, Asif further regretted what he did in England while adding he had paid the huge price for it.
“What I did seven years back was wrong and I regret it,” Asif said.
It’s pertinent to mention Asif returned to the domestic cricket in January 2016 which further saw him doing well with the ball.
“They can allow Mohammad Aamir back into the Pakistan team without any notable comeback performances and support him but for me or Salman Butt, they do not want to touch us and give us another chance,” Asif asked.
Following his lengthy ban of over five years, Asif has been sensational particularly in the four-day first-class fixture.
In 2016 Quaid-e-Azam trophy, Asif played a significant role in Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) when the side clinched and pink-ball final under the leadership of Salman.
And in 2017, Asif produced spectacular spells with his cunning accuracy while maintaining his line and length.
“I have performed in two seasons and I am fit. I am ready to take any fitness test or undergo intensive training. But the board appears to have double standards,” Asif added.
According to the report of PTI, the source privy to selectors of PCB, stated they are not sure about whether Asif will be picked or not, but age is expected to be one sort of a factor.
“You never know with Asif what might happen next. And now we have a lot of pace options and he has got on with age,” source remarked.
Having the knack to pick wickets at will, Asif reiterated that he has completely followed the rules whatever he has been told about while taking the world cricket body International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Code into consideration.
“I have served my full punishment and done all that was required of me under the ICC anti-corruption code,” Asif remarked.
The 34-year-old Asif, who will be 35 in this month (December), has further lambasted the national selectors while asking them to test out his bowling strength.
“I still remain the best new ball bowler in Pakistan cricket,” Asif boasted.
Adamant in approach Asif explained that he is better when it comes to making most out of the new ball while working hard on his bowling skills.
“I have been praised for my bowling skills by the best in cricket. I know the art of using the new ball,” Asif maintained.
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Before concluding, Asif wants the clarifications from the board like PCB regarding the players who have faced the wrath after their involvement in the fixing scandals.
“You cannot treat players differently. I do not want to go into details but all three of us were equally responsible for what happened seven years back in England,” Asif concluded.
Asif made the statement clear by saying he would give his best to make his country proud.
Known for his ability to rattle the top-quality batting, Asif played 38 ODIs, 23 Tests and 11 Twenty20 Internationals since making his international debut in 2005 against Australia at Sydney. Across formats, Asif bagged 165 wickets.
