London: Pakistan’s cricketer Mohammad Asif’s lawyer Ravi Gul on Monday said that Asif is scheduled to be released on May 5, after serving his sentence in the United Kingdom, media reported on Monday.
According to reports Ravi Gill said that Asif would decide when to return home after his release.
“Asif will complete his jail term on May 5 and all formalities have been completed for his release,” he said.
The infamous trio, including bowlers Asif, Mohammad Amir and batsman Salman Butt, were given jail terms of varying lengths by a London court in October 2011 for being involved in spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010.
They had been found guilty of bowling no-balls on predetermined deliveries in exchange for vast amounts of money. The fix had been made between Mazhar Majeed, who was close to the players, and an undercover News of the World team. The undercover journalist managed to video tape the entire deal.
Asif, 29, was jailed for 12 months while Butt was given a 30-month sentence. All three had appealed against their sentences but were rejected by the Lord Chief Justice.
In February 2011, an International Cricket Council (ICC) tribunal had banned former captain Butt for 10 years (the last five years of which have been suspended should no further offences happen), Asif for seven years (with last two years suspended should no further offences happen) and Amir for five years.
However, Asif has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) against his ban in January 2012.
“We have heard Asif is being released this week. Whenever he returns to Pakistan, the terms and conditions of the ICC ban will remain on him and he will not be allowed to take part in any cricket related activity in Pakistan,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official said.
A family member of Asif said they wanted him to return home as soon as he was released as they were eager to meet him.
