LONDON: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif, who served a jail sentence after being found guilty of spot-fixing, has dismissed speculation that he intended to apply for political asylum in the United Kingdom.

"I am training hard and regularly to keep myself fit and I am also preparing to file appeals against my convictions in the spot-fixing case," Asif said.

Asif was released from a prison in Canterbury last month after completing a 12-month jail sentence in the spot-fixing case. He has preferred to remain in London and said he was been helping his legal team to finalise his appeal against his two convictions at the Southwark Crown Court that relate to spot-fixing allegations.

He made it clear he had no intentions of applying for political asylum.

"There is no question of applying for political asylum in Britain. Those who run away from Pakistan apply for asylum. I want to return to Pakistan as soon as possible and play for my country," he stressed.—Agencies