Asif denies visa problems

The Pakistan High Commission in India played a big role in avoiding seamer Mohammad Asif’s deportation after he turned up here on Saturday night to sort out some financial issues with his Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Delhi Daredevils.

In what was considered a personal visit, he had to reportedly convince Indian immigration authorities about the need to visit the country since he had a five-year visa for playing cricket in India, but there were no matches in the calendar.

Asif though denied the problems played up by the Indian media.

“My visit to Delhi is like coming from one home to another. I hope to meet my teammates like Virender Sehwag once again,” said Asif, who had tested positive for a banned steroid last year.

“I wish to clarify that there was absolutely no problem at the Delhi airport on my arrival. I came to New Delhi via Mumbai and I was welcomed whole-heartedly there and all immigration formalities were concluded there,” he added.

Asif has appealed against the finding but the hearing in the 25-year-old’s case is to be decided by a three-man IPL drug tribunal. The tainted bowler was also detained last year at the Dubai international airport for carrying opium while returning home after playing in the T20 tournament.

The details of Asif’s meeting with the Delhi Daredevils management were not known but officials confirmed that some issues were being sorted out.