14 Jan 2009

Pakistan fast bowler could be banned from cricket for life

5:33 pm on 14 January 2009

Pakistan's Senate sports committee has recommended that troubled fast bowler Mohammad Asif be banned from cricket for life after his detention in Dubai last year for opium possession.

Dubai police deported the 26-year-old paceman without charge but barred him from the United Arab Emirates for life.

Asif is also facing a possible two-year ban after failing a drugs screening test during the Indian Premier League last year.

Senate committee member Enver Baig says youngsters will be encouraged to take drugs if Asif is not banned for life.