Sympathy for Asif in Pakistan

The latest controversy involving Mohammad Asif has resulted in an outpouring of sympathy for the tainted Pakistani pacer and demands for the Pakistan Cricket Board to support and counsel him in his dope related cases.

"Look, he is a Pakistan player and still an asset for the team. He has made some mistakes but if the board does not guide him and counsel him and leaves him on his own he will get into more such trouble," former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said.

"I think there is a need for the board to support him because remember he does not come from a very educated background and needs to be guided. Other countries have come forward and helped their players involved in more serious offences. Asif needs to be helped out now," Latif said.

Asif was stopped at the Delhi airport yesterday for visa related issues before the Pakistani High Commission there and the Delhi Daredevils, the IPL team he played for last year, bailed him out, preventing him from being deported.

Incidentally, Asif had been detained and deported from the Dubai airport last year for possessing opium.

Former pacer Sarfaraz Nawaz echoed Latif's view and said the bowler should not be left on his own. "He is facing a major issue with the IPL hearing and he needs to be given proper advice," he said.    

Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq said the board had already erred by not taking a quick decision on Asif's Dubai incident and saved him from further embarrassment.    

"I think the Pakistani team also must support him and keep his spirits high. He is after all a Pakistan player," Razzaq said.