KARACHI: Pakistan's suspended fast bowler Mohammad Asif has received a lucrative offer to play for the Indian Cricket League (ICL), sources close to the player said on Wednesday.
The ICL is offering Asif $250,000 per season, which is enough to bail out the lanky pacer who is facing a crisis because of legal battle against a possible drugs ban, according to the sources.
Asif featured for the Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) but was caught for doping after failing a drugs test while taking part in the competition.
He is now trying to escape a possible two-year ban with help from legal experts from Pakistan and England, something that is costing him a lot of money. Asif recently approached the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for financial support but the board turned down his plea.
The PCB had suspended Asif from all cricket after it was disclosed that he tested positive for banned anabolic steroid nandrolone while playing in the IPL this May.
Sources said that Asif was recently approached by the ICL to play in the rebel league and the bowler is now seriously considering the offer.
Currently 18 Pakistani cricketers are playing in ICL that features a team - Lahore Badshahs - from Pakistan. The Badshahs led by former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq recently won the ICL crown in Ahmedabad by beating Hyderabad Heroes in the finals.
The ICL has also offered a contract to young Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Khan, who made his one-day debut for the national team earlier this year.
