Lahore, Aug 24 : Former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas feels the national selectors have gambled by including fast bowler Mohammad Asif in the squad for next month's ICC Champions Trophy.

Asif has not played cricket in the last 16 months. He last played in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

He was included in the 15-man squad though he is still serving a 12-month ban for a doping offence levelled against him during the first IPL tournament.

The ban will end on September 22, the day the Champions Trophy starts in Johannesburg.

"He has not played any cricket since last year and no one knows properly about his match fitness or general fitness condition. It seems to me a big gamble taken by the selectors to rush Asif into the national team," the Daily Times quoted Zaheer, as saying. (ANI)