Asif withdraws appeal against suspension

Mohammad Asif, the Pakistan fast bowler, has withdrawn his appeal against the provisional suspension imposed on him by the ICC for his alleged involvement in the spot-fixing controversy. The appeals of three Pakistan players - Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir being the others - were due to be heard on October 30 and 31 in Doha.

The trio hadn't been picked, as a result of their suspensions, for Pakistan's upcoming tour of the UAE where they play South Africa in a full series. Asif, however, would not have been able to participate even if the provisional suspension was lifted following the hearing of the appeals later this month; he is barred from entering the UAE following detention in 2008 for a drug-related offence.

"I have chosen not to contest the provisional suspension at this time simply because I am content to await the main disciplinary hearing where my full case can be placed before the ICC," Asif said of the reason for his decision.

Pakistan's assignment following the UAE series is a tour of New Zealand in December by when the ICC would have conducted a full hearing - which needs to be held within three months of imposing the provisional suspension - into the controversy. The suspensions were handed out on September 2 this year and Asif can now only apply for it to be lifted once the full hearing has concluded.

"Mohammad Asif confirmed earlier today that he has withdrawn his challenge to the provisional suspension imposed on him on 2 September 2010 pending determination of the charges brought against him under the ICC's Anti Corruption Code," an ICC release said. "Arrangements are now being made for the challenges being made by Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir against their provisional suspensions to be heard in Dubai on 30 and 31 October 2010."