Mohammed Asif's fate will become clearer later this month after his lawyer confirmed his B sample will be tested on July 28.

The Pakistan fast bowler faces a life ban after testing positive for nandrolone following the Delhi Daredevils' Indian Premier League semi-final defeat to Rajastan Royals in May, his second doping offence in two years and third involvement with drugs.

The 25-year-old tested positive for nandrolone in 2006 during an out-of-competition test conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) - he was initially banned for two years but the sentence was overturned on appeal - before he was detained at Dubai International Airport last month on suspicion of carrying drugs. The charges were later dropped and he was deported.

Shahid Karim, Asif's lawyer, told the News: "We have received a reply from the IPL and they have given us the date of July 28 to have the B sample tested at a WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) accredited laboratory in Switzerland."

The player has the right to be present when his B sample is tested and he is poised to attend.

Karim added: "It is still undecided, but my client plans to be present at the laboratory."

The Pakistan Cricket Board has distanced itself from Asif, suspending the bowler and leaving him alone to fund his battle to clear his name.

Should the B sample also test positive, Asif then faces an IPL drugs tribunal which decide on the penalty for the offence, while the PCB could also take independent action.