Asif accuses PCB of double standards

KARACHI: Pakistan’s brilliant but tainted Test pace bowler Mohammad Asif has accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of double standards while dealing with players involved in corruption.

“What I did seven years back was wrong and I regret it. I have served my full punishment and done all that was required of me under the ICC anti-corruption code.

“However, not once has anyone in the board or National Cricket Academy bothered to even call me and check about my fitness or form,” Asif said in an interview.

He has from time to time produced impressive spells post his five-year ban.

Last year, in the Quaid-eAzam Trophy day and night final his spell with the new ball set up Wapda on the road to victory.

This season he has come up with some smart spells including six wickets in one session during a Quaid Trophy game against a strong KRL side.

“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 said.

“They can allow Mohammad Amir 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 in the national team even though we have done well,” he complained.