Pakistani cricket authorities on Thursday fined Mohammad Asif one million rupees (12,500 dollars) over the fast bowler's 19-day detention at Dubai airport for alleged drug possession.

Asif, 26, was detained last June on his way back home after playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A three-member Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) committee headed by former captain and PCB director Wasim Bari investigated the matter.

"On recommendation of the committee we have fined Asif one million rupees," the PCB said in a press release.

Dubai authorities found opium in Asif's possession, but a prosecutor determined that the quantity was small and deported the bowler.

Asif is also banned from playing international cricket until September after testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid Nandrolone last year.

"Asif will be available for selection once he completes the IPL ban," said the release.

The mercurial fast bowler also tested positive for Nandrolone during tests conducted by the PCB in 2006. He and fellow bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who failed the test too, were banned for one and two years respectively.

Asif has taken 51 wickets in 11 Tests since making his debut in Australia in 2005. He also has 36 wickets in 31 one-dayers.

(Article: Copyright © 2009 AFP)