PakPassion.net has just been informed that Pakistan's mesmerising paceman Mohammad Asif has been prevented by the PCB from playing for English county Northamptonshire this summer.

In a deal arranged by Asif’s management team of Mazhar and Azhar Majeed, Asif was due to sign for Northamptonshire after the World Twenty20 in May, and would have played for the club up to the commencement of Pakistan’s extended tour of England later this summer. However, due to potential injury and overwork concerns, the PCB has not allowed this.

Asif, who has previously played for English county Leicestershire in 2006, was expected to be Northants leading overseas signing for 2010.

With his metronomic accuracy and his unerring line and length, Asif is expected to play a vital role in Pakistan's six Tests in England this summer. Asif returned to Test cricket after a two year hiatus in late 2009, but despite the long break, was Pakistan's leading bowler during the recent tours to Australia and New Zealand.

Asif led the Pakistani bowling attack with his customary guile and skill in those tours, taking 19 wickets in 3 Tests at an average of less than 20 against New Zealand, and 13 wickets at 28 in 3 Tests against Australia. English conditions, in some ways similar to those in New Zealand, are expected to suit Asif's approach and hence Pakistan's heavy reliance on a fit and firing Asif and the PCB's decision.

Renowned the world over as a master of the seam and movement, Asif has already established himself as a genuine heir to Pakistani fast bowling greats of the past, despite his very short career to date. In 17 Tests, he has taken an impressive 83 wickets at an average of just 23. Further proof of Asif's excellence comes from the ICC Test rankings, where Asif is ranked as the world's 4th best Test bowler; underlining his importance to his country, he is the only Pakistani in the Top 15.

Asif, speaking exclusively with PakPassion.net, confirmed that he had been "looking forward to gaining some further experience in England ahead of the summer", and is thus "disappointed at not getting this opportunity for the county". However, he was pragmatic and sensible in his assessment of the situation, and understands why the deal was blocked. "In particular, after the recent injuries to Arafat and Gul, Pakistan are very keen to have a fully fit bowling attack for the tour of England later this year, and I can understand why this decision was made", was Asif's positive conclusion.

 

Pakpassion.net earlier published a story linking Mohammed Asif with Nottinghamshire. We are happy to confirm hat this story was incorrect and that Nottinghamshire never made an approach to Mohammed Asif.



PakPassion.net wishes Asif a healthy and productive English summer, and along with all Pakistani fans, looks forward to passionately supporting our team through an exciting summer of cricket in England.