Dalawar Chaudhry hosted a press conference for Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Asif at his restaurant, Chaudhry’s TKC in Southall.

After the recent controversies surrounding Mohammad Asif, it was held in support of him and to provide another positive role model for the youth of Southall.

He follows in the footsteps of Shoaib Akhtar and more recently boxer Amir Khan. He has agreed to provide his expertise to cricketing youngsters of Southall. How that will happen is in its early stages.

Asif mingled with the audience, signing autographs and having his picture taken with enthusiastic fans, young and old alike

Those present included councillors, a local magistrate and the Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma. Lots of media including GEO TV were also present.

Cricket can overcome obstacles like nationalism and religion. A prime example of this was provided by Mr Brij-Mohan Gupta, Chairman of the Hindu Culture and Heritage Society UK.

His grandchildren had travelled 40 miles to see Mohammad Asif. He said that cricket loving fans don’t want politics in crickets; they merely want to see Mohammed Asif being allowed to play and be entertained.

The father of English cricketer Owais Shah was also present to support Asif.

Mohammad Asif is likely to play in September if no obstacles are put in his way. According to Dalawar Chaudhry, the press conference had the blessing of the Pakistan Government and Pakistan Cricket Board. Members of Pakistan Party were present at the conference.