Asif opts out of IPL

Pakistani seamer Mohammad Asif had a forgettable first season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and his performances had nothing to do with it. He tested positive for a banned substance during the much hyped Twenty20 tournament between city teams, and on his way back, was caught with a banned recreational substance in Dubai.

Now, Asif will not have a second season with Delhi Daredevils. In town to sort out matters with the Delhi team, Asif requested that he be released from the contract with immediate effect. “I’m taking this step because of my personal reasons. It definitely has not been easy requesting for this as I have a contract valid for another two seasons, with lucrative financial benefits,” said Asif, who reached here on Saturday night and has had to attend meetings over the past two days along with his sports managers ‘Portfolio World’.

“Currently I’m under tremendous pressure at all ends and need to regain my focus on resolving matters by addressing them individually. My only purpose and wish is to play for my nation Pakistan again, and for that I need to disengage from any other cricket engagements and work towards it,” said Asif, even as it was being speculated that he was hoping to escape a ban from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) by not being part of the IPL.

“I have had a wonderful time playing for Delhi Daredevils and I will continue to follow their progress as also of the players who were my teammates in the Indian Premier League and continue to be my friends,” said Asif.