August 17, 2008	Sunday	Sha'aban 14, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 16: Desperate to prove his innocence in the Indian Premier League doping scam, embattled Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif and his lawyer left for Geneva on Friday night where his “B” sample test would be conducted on Monday.

Asif, who tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug during the IPL, would come to know whether he faces more disciplinary action or not only after the “B” sample test.

Asif’s lawyer Shahid Karim has informed that they have hired a British sports medicine specialist, Dr Graham who would accompany them to ensure that the test is conducted under specifications of the World Anti-Doping Agency rules.

“We have obtained the best possible help to assist us in the case as Asif is adamant he is innocent,” Karim said.

Although the pacer — who spent 19-days in detention in Dubai airport for carrying a banned substance while returning home from India after playing in the IPL — has a tainted past, he said he was mentally prepared to face every situation and insisted that he never did anything wrong in his career.

“We are having the ‘B’ sample test for the reconfirmation. And we have to be present there. Inshallah! I will be cleared,” said Asif, who had tested positive along with fellow paceman Shoaib Akhtar for banned substance — nandrolone in 2006 before the Champions Trophy, but escaped bans after an Appellate Tribunal cleared them on technical grounds.

Asif is presently suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board and was not selected in next month’s Champions Trophy squad, but he maintained he would come out clean and earn his place back in the national team. “If I am cleared, which I am confident I will be, I will try to make a place for myself in the Pakistan team as soon as possible,” he said.—Agencies