Karachi, Aug 25 - The selection of dope-tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif in Pakistan's Champions Trophy squad has evoked mixed reaction from former players here.

Former chief selector Abdul Qadir has termed Asif's selection as a bad decision, saying that the pacer has not played any competitive cricket for more than 18 months and is unlikely to give his best in the elite eight-nation tournament to be held in South Africa from Sept 22.

Zaheer Abbas, a former Pakistan captain, believes that by picking Asif in the 15-man Champions Trophy squad, the national selectors have made a big gamble.

However, Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has downplayed such criticism, saying that Asif is a proven match-winner and will prove his class in the tournament.

'Asif is fully fit now. He is a match-winner and we are sure that he will do well in the Champions Trophy,' said Intikhab, a former Pakistan captain.

Abdul Qadir, however, does not agree. 'Asif has not played any international cricket for quite a while, which is why nobody can really be sure whether he is fully match fit or not. I don't think selecting such a player for an important event like the Champions Trophy is a wise decision.