KARACHI The chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ijaz Butt feels that paceman Mohammed Asif will be playing for Pakistan as soon as he is cleared by the doping authorities.

'Whatever I have gathered from the communications received from WADA and ICC, Asif may not be facing any long term ban. We will select him as soon he is available,' he told APP in an interview prior to his departure for Lahore.

'There is not much issue in the report sent to PCB by Dubai authorities. He may be getting minor punishment,' he said.

He termed the reports inaccurate and speculative that Mohammed Asif could face a life ban for drug trafficking under WADA Code.

'Asifs offence is minor. It was blown out of proportions,' he commented.

President of Sports Medicine Association of Pakistan (SMAP) and WADA Accredited Doping Officer Danish has brushed aside the impression of the top PCB official.

Responding to question about the future of express fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, Ijaz Butt said selection committee is free and independent to take decisions.

'I will have complete faith in the selection committee till they are working in a proper way. I would send them home if they are not doing their job within the parameters,' he said.

Commenting on the performance of Pakistan in the two ODIs, PCB Chief said 'Victory in the first game was fantastic'.

He said he was expecting interesting contest in the series deciding third and final One-day in Lahore on Saturday.