By Omar Khalid, IANS,
Karachi : Pakistan’s banned Test pacer Mohammad Asif is eyeing a second successful comeback to international cricket this September after completing his one-year doping ban.
Asif said in an interview Friday that he is currently training extensively at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore and will make a forceful return in the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa, provided national selectors decide to give him a chance to play in the tournament.
“I’m itching to get back in the Pakistan team,” said Asif. “It’s been a long time that I played for my country and it will be great if I get another chance to do that,” he added.
After making an unimpressive debut in 2005 against Australia, Asif stayed out of the Pakistan team for almost a year before making a stunning comeback.
“I’ve been out of the team before but had a successful comeback. Now I hope to make a similar return,” he said.
Asif, 26, was banned for a year after testing positive for anabolic steroid nandrolone while featuring in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) last summer.
His ban expires Sep 22, the same day when the ICC Champions Trophy gets underway in South Africa.
The lanky fast bowler is set to be included in the 30-man preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy which the national selectors are expected to announce July 23.
It was the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to fine rather than ban Asif for his 19-day detention in Dubai for possession of a small quantity of opium last year that has paved the path for his possible return to international cricket.
Asif, who has taken 51 wickets from 11 Tests, said that he is unlucky to miss last month’s ICC World Twenty20 in England but said it was great because Pakistan won the tournament.