Banned Pak pacer Mohammad Asif to begin a new innings in films

Karachi: Beginning a new innings, Pakistan's banned pacer Mohammad Asif has taken up acting career and will make his debut in a joint Indo-Pak project, entitled 'India mein Pakistan'.

The cricketer, who is serving a five year ban for spot fixing since 2010, said he had decided to accept the acting role because he wanted to try something new. "I am doing nothing and I have to look ahead and this project appeared to be a good challenge to me so I have accepted it," he told reporters on Sunday.

But he insisted he didn't take up the offer just for money. Asif said if the film required him to dance and sing he would do it as he had now decided to enter the entertainment industry.

Director Ikram Akhtar who is directing the film under the banner of Once More international films said the movie will be a romantic comedy and a Pakistan-India co-production aimed at promoting friendship between the two countries.

Asif also said he is ready to face the Indian media and will be willing to undertake other such projects if he gets good offers but made it clear that he will not act in any film with ex-girlfriend Veena Malik. Asked if he had appeared in any audition for the film, Asif said the producer and director approached him directly.