Young Asif's rapid rise and fall by AFP

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Player:	Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif
Event:	ICC Champions Trophy 2006/07

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DateLine: 1st November 2006

 

Pakistan's lanky fast bowler Mohammad Asif has gone from a bright new hope to a fallen idol in the space of a year.

 

When Asif dismissed legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar during his match and series-winning seven-wicket haul in Karachi in January, he was instantly compared with Australian master pacer Glenn McGrath.

 

The 23-year-old followed it up with 17 wickets to help Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in the island two months later.

 

Nominated as one of the International Cricket Council emerging players of the year, there is now a big question mark over his reputation after he was banned for a year on Wednesday for doping offences.

 

Asif hails from Sheikhupura, a small town in central Punjab province which also produced medium fast bowler Rana Naved-ul Hasan.

 

He caught the selectors' eye with a burst of 7-35 for Sialkot city in a first-class match in 2005 and was handed a ticket to Australia with the Pakistan national team.

 

His first international outing at Sydney proved a forgettable experience as his 18 overs in Pakistan's third loss in as many Tests went wicketless.

 

But the determined novice worked hard to ensure it was not his last, undergoing a short stint at India's MRF pace academy under the eagle eyes of former Australian legend Dennis Lillee.

 

"Asif is the most improved Pakistan player and I can see a good future for him," remarked Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer last year.

 

He lived up to Woolmer's expectations by registering a ten-wicket haul at home against Ashes-winning Michael Vaughan's England in November last year. His performance won him a contract with Leicestershire.

 

Injuries to his back and elbow stopped him showing his true potential, however and he missed Pakistan's first three Tests in England when they toured there this summer.

 

He finally arrived with a bang at the Oval, grabbing 4-56 to help Pakistan gain the upper hand -- before his team ended up forfeiting the game in a protest over ball-tampering allegations.

 

He was expected to lead Pakistan's attack on Indian pitches during the Champions Trophy before the dope test saga unfurled.

 

Many, including former Pakistan legend Imran Khan, hope Asif recovers from his doping shame.

 

"The doping case may hurt him but if it did it would be tragic for Pakistan cricket, because Asif is a rare talent and it should not be wasted," remarked Khan.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)