Pakistan paceman Mohammed Asif seeks asylum in Britain

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Pakistan paceman Mohammed Asif fears backlash over match-fix storm and seeks asylum in Britain

By Nick Fagge
Last updated at 11:58 PM on 9th September 2010


Pakistan cricketer Mohammed Asif is cynically exploiting the match-fixing scandal to apply for asylum in Britain, it was claimed last night.
Mr Asif, 27, was one of three players suspended following allegations of match-fixing during Pakistan’s match against England at Lords last month.

He has consulted immigration lawyers in London about ways to stay in the UK citing fears for his safety if he returns to the cricket-obsessed nation.
But yesterday his ex-girlfriend told the Daily Mail that Mr Asif had planned for years to settle in Britain.

Actress and model Veena Malik said: ‘He always wanted to have a way out to live permanently in the UK.

'This was his plan for his future. now he is taking advantage from the present situation.'
The bowler asked lawyers about applying for asylum during a 35-minute crisis meeting last Friday.
He said he feared becoming a target of criminal gangs linked to Pakistan’s illegal gambling network if he returned home.
A lawyer who attended the meeting at a restaurant in Southall, west London, said: ‘He didn’t say anything about asylum at first.

'He just said, “what’s the way to stay?". ‘Then we told him there’s the student way – you can come here, study – or you can apply for a work permit.
‘But then he asked about asylum. I think he’s just worried about the backlash at home. That’s what he told me.’
Mr Asif’s lawyers, Malik and Malik of London, said their client had ‘no comment ’ yesterday.
The Home Office declined to comment on Mr Asif’s chances of being granted asylum.


Read more: Pakistan paceman Mohammed Asif fears backlash over match fix storm and seeks asylum in Britain | Mail Online