Asif pledges to clear his name of spot-fixing charges

Asif said that he was desperate to prove his innocence and get his cricketing career back on the track.

"I'm bitterly disappointed with the verdict that was announced in Doha. I am determined to totally clear my name and to get back to what I love doing and that is playing cricket for my country," said Asif.

Asif along with former Test captain Salman Butt and 18-year-old pacer Muhammad Aamer was handed out bans by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their involvement in a spot-fixing scandal during the Lord's Test in August last year.

The three cricketers have also been charged by the UK Crown Prosecution Service with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments, and conspiracy to cheat, and have been summoned to appear in City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 17.

The 28-year old pacer, who had earlier served a one-year ban for doping, further added that it was painful for him to be sidelined for the World Cup.

"It's tough watching the boys on television and not being part of the team. I find it really painful to watch and it really hurts that I'm not there at the World Cup with my team mates, playing for Pakistan.

"It's every cricketer's dream to take part in tournaments such as the World Cup and I am no different. It would have been an absolute honour to wear the green of Pakistan and help the boys bring the trophy home," Asif told the Pakpassion.net website.

Asif, who has taken 106 Test wickets in 23 matches, insisted that he has nothing to hide regarding the spot-fixing accusations and that he would welcome the opportunity to speak about the matter in detail, when appropriate.

"When the time is right, I will be prepared to speak to anybody regarding the spot fixing accusations, I have nothing to hide regarding the matter and I would welcome the opportunity to talk about the accusations in full detail," he said.

Asif has until February 26 to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to clear his name and sources close to him said he was preparing to go into appeal. Asif is presently in England consulting with his lawyer to not only prepare for the appeal against the ban but to also challenge the criminal charges framed against him by the Scotland Yard.