Mohammad Asif used to play fast bowling in Pakistani cricket. Asif was born in Gujjar Khan, Pakistan, on December 20, 1982. He had a brief but interesting international career. The key highlights of his cricket career are as follows:
International Debut:
Bowling Skills:
Asif was known for his exceptional swing bowling and ability to generate movement off the pitch. He had a remarkable control over his line and length and could swing the ball both ways, making him a dangerous bowler.
Controversies:
Asif's career was marred by controversies. In 2006, during Pakistan's tour of England, he, along with teammates Salman Butt and Mohammad Amir, was involved in a spot-fixing scandal. They were accused of deliberately bowling no-balls at pre-determined moments in exchange for money.
Ban and Comeback:
As a result of the spot-fixing scandal, Asif was banned from all forms of cricket for seven years by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in February 2011. He served his ban and made a comeback to domestic cricket in 2015.
International Achievements:
Asif's international career was relatively short, but he showcased his talent during that time. He played 23 Test matches and took 106 wickets at an impressive average of 24.36. In ODIs, he played 38 matches and picked up 46 wickets.
Memorable Performances:
Asif had several memorable performances throughout his career. In 2005, he played a crucial role in Pakistan's Test series victory against England, taking 17 wickets in the series. He also had notable performances against India, South Africa, and Australia.
Domestic Cricket:
Despite his ban, Asif continued to play domestic cricket in Pakistan during his exile from international cricket. He represented various teams in domestic competitions, including the Lahore Blues, Sialkot Stallions, and WAPDA.
Skill and Technique:
Asif was widely regarded as one of the most skillful fast bowlers of his generation. His ability to swing the ball late and consistently troubled batsmen. His control over line and length made him difficult to score runs against.
Retirement:
Asif officially announced his retirement from international cricket in 2019. However, he continued to play in domestic leagues and T20 tournaments.
Although Asif's career was overshadowed by the spot-fixing scandal, he remains a player who showcased immense talent and skill during his time on the international stage.
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