Karachi, Mar 27 : Pakistan cricket authorities are unlikely to allow medium pacer Mohammad Asif to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting next month, as they fear that the bowler may suffer from a recurrence of a chronic elbow problem that has kept him out of competitive cricket for since last October

Well-placed sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) told 'The News' on Wednesday that senior Board officials are unwilling to issue an NOC to Asif to play in the IPL, and keep him injury-free for the forthcoming international series involving Pakistan.

Asif is eager to return to the cricketing stage by appearing in the IPL in which he is scheduled to play for Delhi at a handsome salary of 650,000 dollars.

It is the lucrative package and an opportunity to be a part of what is seen as a revolutionary Twenty20 contest that has forced Asif to return to training recently.

The lanky pacer himself seems quite confident that he is fit enough to play in the IPL but PCB officials do not want to take any chances, reported The News.

Asif is a key member of the Pakistan squad and his absence due to injury is seen as one of the reasons behind their unimpressive showing against South Africa at home and on the tour of India last year.