The Hindu

NEW DELHI, Jan 19: Pakistan medium-pacer Mohammad Asif on Sunday denied that he was detained or was in the process of being deported. Reports on Saturday suggested that Asif was in trouble for having landed in Delhi via Mumbai on what he termed a private visit.

In a statement issued through Delhi Daredevils, which he represents in the Indian Premier League, Asif said, “I was very pained by the reports in the newspapers and television this morning about my arrival to New Delhi. I wish to clarify that there was absolutely no problem at the Delhi airport on my arrival.”

Asif added that he was “welcomed whole-heartedly (in Mumbai) and all immigration formalities were concluded there ... I am very happy to be in New Delhi and India once again. My visit to Delhi is like coming from one home to another. I hope to meet my teammates such as Virender Sehwag once again.”

According to Delhi Daredevils Chief Executive Officer Amrit Mathur, the Pakistan cricketer “met us today” and the meeting would continue “tomorrow.”