Due to the visa-related problems, the authorities of the immigration department at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on Saturday evening detained the dope tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif. Although the Pakistan High Commission’s intervened in this issue, but the airport authorities deported back Asif.

It is believed that Asif who played for Delhi Daredevils IPL team last season was coming to India to sort out some financial issues with the IPL authorities.

Speaking on this, an airport official said, “Asif has a five-year visa issued to him which states he can travel to India as an international cricketer to play in the Indian Premier League.”

“However, he was on a personal visit and had not informed the Indian High Commission in Islamabad about the same,” added the official.

On the other hand, Asif denied all such reports. The 25 year old bowler said, “I was very pained about the reports in the newspapers, and on television, this morning about my arrival to New Delhi. I wish to clarify that there was absolutely no problem at the Delhi airport on my arrival.”

He said that he came to New Delhi via Mumbai and was welcomed whole-heartedly there and all immigration formalities were concluded there.

Asif was banned for one year after he and fellow paceman Shoaib Akhtar tested positive for nandrolone in September 2006. Last week, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources have alleged that Asif did carry a small amount of opium when he was detained at the Dubai airport in 2008.

As one of the most promising fast bowler, Asif has picked up 51 wickets in 11 test matches, which has been marred by injury breakdowns. In 31 ODI’s Asif has claimed 36 wickets so far.