Banned Pakistan paceman Mohammad Asif is targeting the Champions Trophy for his international comeback.

Controversial seamer Asif was suspended after testing positive for a banned substance in last year's Indian Premier League but insists he still harbours hopes of making a successful return to international cricket.

Despite his lack of first-class cricket in recent months, Asif, who has denied intentionally taking banned substances, has been playing club cricket in England and wants to represent Pakistan in the Champions Trophy in September.

The PCB, who initially banned the player indefinitely, have since stated their intention to select Asif as soon as his ban is lifted.

September calling

"I'm due to come back in September this year, so I'm working hard to make that," Asif told www.pakpassion.net.

"I am in training and building up for my return so, yes, the Champions Trophy will be a target, I hope to make it for that."

Asif also revealed that he would not be content to cash in on the current limited-overs trend in cricket upon his return and ranks his achievements as a Test cricketer higher than any others.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle last week sparked controversy when he declared that he would not be sad to see the five-day game fade in the shadow of the Twenty20 phenomenon.

"Test cricket is the ultimate format"

Asif, though, sides with England skipper Andrew Strauss in ranking it as the pinnacle of the sport.

"Unfortunately Pakistan have not seen much Test cricket for a year and a half but I am looking forward to my return and after the Champions Trophy we have a few Test series coming up and that will be good for me and good for Pakistan.

"My main weapon is line and length, and that is applicable in Twenty20, applicable in Tests and again in one-day internationals.

"But I consider all my Test performances as my best memories. The Sri Lanka series in which I got 17 wickets, my performance against India at Karachi and in South Africa when I took 19 wickets.

"All these are very memorable for me."