Lahore: Beleaguered fast bowler Mohammad Asif, who has been suspended from the national team, has not given up his hopes for a comeback and these days, the embattled speedster is training with the rebel ICL players who are busy preparing themselves for the upcoming Twenty20 tournament in India.

Asif was suspended from the national team after he was tested positive for a banned substance during his stint with the Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year.

The pacer played against the Indian Cricket League (ICL) players in a practice match at the Model Town ground.

The list of ICL recruits will increase in its second season that begins from next month with the inclusion of a huge number of Bangladeshi players.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq confirmed that along with the Bangladesh players there will be some more new faces in the ICL this season.

''In order to increase the elements of competition and excitement in the league, a number of young and promising players have been signed for this season of ICL,'' said Inzamam who is the skipper of Lahore Badshahs, which is one the ICL teams.

Former leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed and his other colleagues in the ICL - Imran Nazir, Taufiq Umar and Shahid Nazir - have assured some great cricketing actions in this season and have called upon the authorities to lift the existing domestic ban on 'rebel' players.

''The authorities have tried to discourage and scare players from signing up for the ICL but it is not working. I think the authorities should accept the ICL as a legal body as it is also working for the promotion of cricket and providing livelihood for new and old players,'' Mushtaq said.

UNI

Tags: mohammad asif, icl, pakistan, 1pl, inzamam-ul-haq.