Mohammad Asif was one of the best fast bowlers Pakistan have produced in the modern century. His off the wicket swing made the life of the batsmen hell. However, his international career was shortlived following his involvement in a 2010 spot-fixing scandal.
The 37-year-old did exceedingly well in wickets in England and South Africa and troubled the batters. Asif claimed 19 wickets abroad in Pakistan’s Test series against the Proteas in 2007. Recently, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen expressed that Mohammed Asif was the most difficult bowler he had faced.
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However, his career took a jolt for his involvement in spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010. He and Mohammad Amir bowled no-ball deliberately in return of money from a betting syndicate. Since then, he has not played any international games for his country.
Mohammad Asif recently opened up on his career during an interview with ESPNCricinfo. The fast bowler still hopes to end his career on a positive note. Asif also admitted his mistakes and also has his regrets like everyone in their life has.
“Of course. My ambition was to finish my career on a better note and I do have regrets. But that’s a different story. I think whatever happened it had to happen and that’s okay. Everyone has regrets in their life and a few want to talk about them, but I think I am fine. Everyone makes mistakes and I did too,” Asif told ESPNCricinfo.
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Furthermore, Mohammad Asif made startling claims against Pakistan Cricket Board. He admitted that there are players who have been involved in fixing before him are working with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He also said that he didn’t get a second chance as others got.
“Players had been indulging in fixing before me [in 2010] and even after me. But those before me are working with PCB and there are few after me still playing. Everyone was given a second chance and there are few who never got the same treatment [as me]. PCB never tried to save me regardless of the fact that I am the kind of bowler who was highly regarded by everyone in the world. But anyway I’m not sitting around brooding about the past or hung up on it,” Asif concluded.
Mohammad Asif has represented Pakistan in 22 Tests, 38 ODIs, and 11 T20Is where he scalped 183 international wickets.