Pakistan Cricket Board set up inquiry as Asif is deported from UAE

The fast bowler arrived back in Lahore early on Friday morning protesting his innocence despite his lengthy detention in Dubai.

The 25-year-old had been held in the emirate since June 1 after a small quantity of powder was found in his possession by authorities at Dubai International Airport.

Welcome return: Supporters escort Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Asif (centre) upon his arrival at Alama Iqbal airport in Lahore after he was deported from Dubai

He was finally released on Thursday after local prosecutors opted to deport the pace bowler rather than charge him even though they alleged he was guilty of carrying opium.

"We want the facts to be revealed in this case," PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf told reporters.

"I have scheduled a meeting with Asif later today (Friday). Further action will be taken once the three-member committee submits its report."

Ashraf revealed the names of those on the committee would be announced later on Friday.

The PCB also released a statement which read: "We appreciate the professional manner in which this whole issue was dealt with by the Dubai police, prosecution department and the UAE authorities.

"The PCB intends to conduct an immediate inquiry into this matter, as per its policies and procedures, once the official records are received from the UAE authorities."

Meanwhile, a report on Pakistan daily The News' website claims the ICC has asked the PCB for a full report on the matter.

According to the newspaper, ICC spokesman Samiul Hasan Burni made the request. It also revealed the ICC would take action after receiving the report.

Asif though maintained he had done nothing wrong after returning to his homeland.

He told reporters: "No banned substance was recovered from me, and all of my tests were clear."

Asif has an impressive record at Test level having taken 51 wickets in 11 matches but this is not his first brush with controversy.

In November 2006, both he and fellow fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar were banned after testing positive for the performance-enhancing steroid nandrolone.

But a Pakistan Cricket Board tribunal later lifted the suspensions after ruling that neither player had knowingly taken the substance.

The PCB verdict was later challenged by the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA), only for the Court of Arbitration for Sport Switzerland to rule that it had no jurisdiction to reverse the decision.