Asif released, to be deported to Pak tonight

Dubai, Jun 19 (UNI) Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has been finally released by the authorities here and is likely to be deported back to his country tonight.

''Asif has been discharged and will be deported from his Dubai detention centre within the next 48 hours,'' Dubai public prosecutor Mohammad Al Nuaimi told mediapersons here.

''Public prosecution had not decided to file charges due to lack of importance to the case,'' he added. ''The case is now with the Dubai police who will start deportation procedures.'' Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials were, however, unable to confirm the development.

Asif was detained at the Dubai airport on June 1 while going to Lahore from Mumbai when a small amount of opium was found in his wallet.

No charge was filed against the cricketer in the 19 days he was held here.

UNI XC AB KP2054