Findings in Asif case sent to Attorney General

The case involving Mohammad Asif, the Pakistan fast bowler detained in Dubai for possession of an illegal substance, has been referred to the Attorney General. Asif appeared before the court on Sunday, which was adjourned soon after the recommendations of the public prosecutor were heard. The investigation into the matter has been completed, and the Attorney General is expected to take up the case either later today or tomorrow.

"The public prosecutor has completed his proceedings in today's hearing," Mansoor Suhail, the PCB media director, told Cricinfo. "He has provided his report to the Attorney General and he will then take further action either later today or tomorrow."

Nadeem Akram, the Pakistan board official overlooking the case, was hoping a decision would be made on Monday. "The chief prosecutor cross-examined the witnesses who were instrumental in finding the banned substance from the bowler," he told PTI. "The court case will resume tomorrow." However, he didn't confirm whether charges had been laid against Asif.

Asif has been in detention at Dubai International Airport since June 1 after authorities allegedly found a banned substance in his wallet. Asif had appeared before the chief prosecutor on Thursday, and made his statement, but no charges were laid against him.

Sources close to the case confirmed to Cricinfo that the substance was a banned drug, though the urine tests conducted on Asif have come back negative. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to four years.