Drug charges dropped against Asif, as Dubai deports Pakistan paceman

Pakistan paceman Mohammad Asif has had the case against him dropped and he will be deported from the United Arab Emirates within the next 48 hours, according to reports.

Asif was arrested at Dubai International Airport on June 1 on suspicion of carrying drugs.

But the Gulf News now claim the bowler will be released without charge.

'The case has been dropped against Mohammad Asif due to insignificance ... he will be deported as soon as the police finalise the procedures,' public prosecutor Mohammad Al Nuaimi told the newspaper.

'It is definite that he committed the crime of smuggling and possessing 0.24 grams of opium as he was caught red-handed.

'However in certain cases and for a faster litigation process the Public Prosecution drops a case due to insignificance and deports the suspect.'

When contacted by PA Sport, the Pakistan Cricket Board said they were still waiting for confirmation from their lawyers handling the case in Dubai.