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ESPN: Pakistan Cricket Board official Nadeem Akram returned to Pakistan on Wednesday after failing to secure the release of Mohammad Asif. The fast bowler was detained by customs officials at the Dubai International Airport on June 1 on suspicion of carrying drugs on his person.

“Akram has indeed returned home,” said PCB media manager Raza Rashid. “The attorney general in Dubai has not given us a time frame, so we are not sure when a decision would actually be made.”
A small quantity of a powder was found in Asif’s wallet and was sent to a laboratory for testing. The bowler also gave blood and urine tests, with the results of those yet to be divulged.

Akram, the director of human resources at the PCB, was immediately rushed to Dubai to oversee the case but has now left that responsibility to an official from the Pakistan embassy in the United Arab Emirates.

“An official from the Pakistan embassy in the United Arab Emirates will now oversee the case,” Akram told reporters in Dubai prior to his departure.

“We are still hopeful that he would be released. No charges have been laid so far.”
Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB’s chief operating officer, said Akram had to return to help Pakistan’s preparations for the Asia Cup.

Pakistan is set to host the six-nation cricket tournament (like there could be anything else!) from the 24th of June. Hopefully they will get their star player back by then.