Pakistan's Asif could face four years in prison after 'powder' is found in Dubai

The 25-year-old was arrested on Sunday following the discovery of a small quantity of a powder in his wallet by United Arab Emirates customs officials.

The Pakistan Cricket Board insist they will consider Asif innocent until proven guilty and are hoping the incident has all been a "big mistake".

Detained: Mohammed Asif has been detained at Dubai Airport for carrying an illegal substance.

Shafqat Nagmi, chief operating officer of the PCB, said: "We consider him innocent until proven guilty. We are in touch with him. We hope it is a mistake and just a harmless issue. We have arranged legal counsel for him."

Asif was on his way back to Pakistan from Mumbai where he had played with Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.

The PCB had rushed human resources director Nadeem Akram to Dubai to resolve the issue immediately on being informed of the case yesterday.

"The reports we have received so far have been good and encouraging," said Nagmi.

"Asif is in good spirits and is looking to return home. No charges have been brought against Asif so far.

"The Dubai authorities themselves don't know exactly what he was carrying. We are not clear on that aspect either. It is very difficult to say what can be carried on a plane."

Nagmi denied reports a brawl between Asif and one of the airport staff had led to his detention.

"We have been in constant touch with Asif and he has told us nothing of a brawl," said Nagmi.

Akram had earlier revealed the substance found in Asif's possession had been sent to a laboratory for testing.

Akram said: "Asif has also undergone blood and urine tests, but we have not received the results so far."

Akram also claimed Asif had been given the substance by a hakeem, a traditional Islamic healer.

"Apparently it was some drugs given to him by a doctor. It was a very small quantity, it was in his wallet. A small bit of powder," said Akram.

"It is a medicine given to him by a hakeem in Dubai. It had been given to him some five to six months ago and he had forgotten about it."

Delhi Daredevils officials have refused to comment on the issue.

Asif was on Monday picked by Pakistani selectors for the tri-series against Bangladesh and India, due to start in Dhaka on June 8.

He could serve a jail term from anywhere between four weeks and four years if charged with drug possession by Dubai authorities.

Asif will appear before a special drugs court in Dubai where his lawyers will appeal.

He could still stay in custody while his case is made even if the case is eventually dropped.