Mohammad Asif was banned after he was found to be in possession of illegal drugs. —Photo by AP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani fast bowler Mohammed Asif, who was banned from entering the UAE due to possessing illegal drugs, has been cleared after three years.

The UAE government has informed the pacer through the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he has been cleared to enter the UAE states after the PCB filed an appeal.

Mohammed Asif was arrested for possessing illegal drugs in 2008 at Dubai international airport by Airport Security Force (ASF). Asif was on his way back to Pakistan after playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in India, a private news channel reported.

The government deported Asif from Dubai after keeping him imprisoned and placed a ban on his entry for a lifetime in all states of the UAE.

As soon as he is acquitted from the spot-fixing case, he is allowed to play in Dubai, after PCB formally conveys the clearance to the cricketer.