'Tainted' Asif says Nelson Mandela was his inspiration during prison sentence

Disgraced Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif described Nelson Mandela as his inspiration, saying the anti-apartheid leader's life experience helped him get through his difficult phase in prison in England.

The 32-year-old is looking forward to revive his international career as his five-year spot-fixing ban for his infamous role in the 2010 scandal ended on September 1.

Asif, who has played 23 Tests and 38 ODIs for Pakistan, said that the last five years of his life had been very harsh and very hard for him, adding that the toughest part was that he couldn't enter the grounds that he had played cricket all his life on, the Dawn reported.

The right-hand bowler further said that Mandela was his inspiration when he was in prison and insisted that he has set a target for his return to international cricket in the series against England next year.

The tainted trio of Mohammad Amir, former captain Salman Butt and Asif, became eligible to return to all forms of cricket from Wednesday. However, the PCB said that the three players would have to undergo a six-month rehabilitation program before they can return to international cricket.