PAKISTAN's Mohammad Asif is so worried about being the target of criminal gangs at home that he is reportedly considering asking for asylum in the UK.
The bowler, one of three players facing charges from the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption unit and a police investigation over alleged spot-fixing in the Lord's Test, is said to have met lawyers to discuss how he could stay in England.

Asif's fears about returning home emerged at the same time as Pakistan cricket board chief Ijaz Butt was greeted by a baying mob who booed and shouted "shame, shame" after his plane landed at Lahore airport. Local cricket fans are devastated by allegations about corruption in the team and many blame the administrators for the failings.

London's The Daily Telegraph said an agitated Asif had approached a solicitor from the firm Malik and Malik last week