Pakistan likely to recall Asif for Champions Trophy

September 25th, 2009 KARACHI - Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam is confident that his team will beat India at Centurion Saturday and earn a semi-final place in the Champions Trophy. Going by the form, India will be the favourites in the much awaited clash, but Intikhab believes that two major factors will give his side an upper hand -- the absence of flamboyant Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh and the return of Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif.

September 17th, 2009 KARACHI - Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam has said his team can win the ICC Champions Trophy beginning September 22. Talking to reporters at the Karachi International Airport before leaving for South Africa, Alam said the Pakistan team has only one aim and that is to win the prestigious title.

September 16th, 2009 LAHORE - To avoid any further problems, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would be sending tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif to South Africa for the ICC Champions Trophy via London instead of Dubai. While the rest of the team will travel to South Africa via Dubai, Asif would take the route via London to avoid any trouble that the PCB feels may arise if the disgraced bowler flies via Dubai.

September 12th, 2009 KARACHI - Pakistans comeback pacer Mohammad Asif has been asked by the cricket board to attend the training camp involving the countrys under-19 cricketers to prepare for the Champions Trophy that begins in South Africa Sep 22. According to sources, Asif has been told to regain his rhythm by bowling extensively during the under-19 camp.

August 31st, 2009 LAHORE - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has directed tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif to keep away from the media till his 12-month ban expires on September 22. According to sources, PCB Director Cricket Operations, Zakir Khan, has asked Asif to avoid the media till his ban ends.

August 31st, 2009 KARACHI - Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan Monday said fast bowler Mohammad Asif, making a comeback after a year-long doping ban, should be given time to return to form and not burdened with unrealistic expectations. "He hasnt played any international cricket for the last 18 months and to expect him to start delivering right away would be a bit unfair, said Younis.

August 27th, 2009 KARACHI - Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam has backed his team as favourites for winning the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in South Africa in September. Despite the disastrous tour of Sri Lanka, Alam said the momentum is with Pakistan.

August 26th, 2009 ISLAMABAD - Tainted Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif has vowed not to repeat his past mistakes which saw him being banned from international cricket for a year. In an interview with PakPassion.net, Asif expressed happiness over his selection in the 15 member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy and said he would justify the selectors' decision through his performance.

August 21st, 2009 LAHORE - Tainted Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has cleared a 'tough' fitness test enhancing his chances of securing a place in the ICC Champions Trophy squad. Former wicketkeeper captain Rashid Latif, who is supervising Asif's rehabilitation, confirmed Asif clearing the multi-stage fitness test.

August 21st, 2009 LAHORE - The seven member selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday controversially recalled paceman Mohammad Asif and opener Imran Nazir, but omitted all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from their 15-man squad for next month's Champions Trophy in South Africa. Pakistan is placed in Group A of the eight-nation Champions Trophy to be held from September 20 to October 5.

August 20th, 2009 LAHORE - Pakistan cricket chief selector Iqbal Qasim has ruled out ontroversial speedster Shoaib Akhtar's chances of getting into the ICC Champions Trophy squad. Qasim said there is only a 'remote' possibility of Akhtar getting a place in the team through a 'wild card'.

August 19th, 2009 LAHORE - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has asked tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif to join a coaching camp for young players to ascertain his fitness level before the ICC Champions Trophy. "Asif is attending the training camp for Under-23 players in Karachi where we have asked camp commandant Rashid Latif to give us a report by Thursday (tomorrow) whether he is match fit for the Champions Trophy," The Daily Times quoted chief selector Iqbal Qasim, as saying.

August 9th, 2009 LAHORE - Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif will have to prove his physical fitness on Sunday before being considered for the ICC Champions Trophy. The 26-year-old pacer, whose career had plummeted after he failed a dope test during the Indian Premier League's (IPL) inaugural season, is hoping to find a place in Pakistani team after serving a one-year ban imposed by the PCB.

July 10th, 2009 LAHORE - Controversial Pakistan fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif would be considered for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in September-October in South Africa, interim chief selector Wasim Bari has said. "Asif's ban will expire on September 22, two days before the Trophy starts, so he will be considered for the squad, and Akhtar will also be considered once he proves his fitness," The Daily Times quoted Bari, as saying.

July 10th, 2009 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.