LEICESTER (England), May 23: English cricket county Leicestershire are stepping up their search for a replacement overseas player for Pakistan's paceman Mohammad Asif. The club expected Asif to join up with Pakistan squad at end of June, but it now looks likely he will leave for a training camp in three weeks ahead of Test series against England.

Senior coach Tim Boon said: “As things stand, it looks as though Asif will be with us until end of Surrey match which finishes on June 10 as he is required to go back to Pakistan for second part of training camp.

''The situation is changing by the day. I have been in regular contact with Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, but I now intend to speak to him again next week when he is back in Pakistan.''

Boon is eager to fill void created by Asif's departure, although he admits his search has not been without its difficulties.—Agencies