The Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday suspended Mohammad Asif with immediate effect, a day after the Indian Premier League confirmed that the paceman had failed a drugs test.

Asif, who was dropped from the Champion Trophy probables squad, was already under investigation after being detained at the Dubai International Airport for 19 days under suspicion of carrying drugs last month.

The PCB had said it would take stern measures against the bowler and also stated he would receive no assistance from the PCB to fight his legal battle.

"In line with our anti-doping policy, we have suspended Mohammad Asif with immediate effect," PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi said.

"He will have the right to appeal under the International Cricket Council's anti-doping regulations.

"The PCB will offer all the assistance to the IPL drugs tribunal and implement its findings. We may even attend the inquiry proceedings," he added in the presence of board lawyer Tafazzul Rizvi.