Pakistan speedster Mohammad Asif's Indian Premier League drugs case hearing has been shifted to London, his lawyer Shahid Karim confirmed.
Asif tested positive for a banned substance during the inaugural edition of the IPL in June this year.
"We requested the IPL tribunal to shift the hearing to a neutral venue because of the huge delay due to the Mumbai incidents," Karim said. "They have agreed to our request and the hearing will now be held in London on January 24."
He has already appeared before the IPL drugs tribunal comprising of former Test skipper Sunil Gavaskar, leading lawyer Shirish Gupte and doctor Ravi Bapat but that meeting proved inconclusive.
A second hearing was scheduled for November 29 but was postponed due to the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the venue of the hearing.
Asif, already suspended from international cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board, faces a minimum two-year ban if found guilty.
"I am very frustrated at being unable to play any cricket until the tribunal gives a clear decision on my case," Asif said.
"I am keen to have this thing over with as soon as possible."
Asif has all along proclaimed his innocence.
"The main purpose of shifting the venue was to ensure there was no further delay in the hearing," Asif added. "We felt that with the Mumbai tragedy, things could be delayed further."
