Suspended from the national team, embattled Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif [Images] is keeping himself busy training with the Pakistani 'rebels' of the Indian Cricket League (ICL) as they prepare for the new season that gets underway next month.

Asif was suspended by the Pakistan Cricket Board for testing positive for a banned substance in the Indian Premier League. The ICL rebels are also banned by the PCB.

Asif played in a practice game at the Model Town ground against the ICL rebels, whose ranks are expected to expand this season with some more signings.

Former captain and the ICL's Pakistani team's leader Inzamam-ul Haq confirmed there are some new signings.

"In order to increase the elements of competition and excitement in the league a number of young players and promising players have been signed for this season of ICL," Inzamam said.

Pakistan's former Test spinner and now an ICL signing, Mushtaq Ahmed and colleagues Imran Nazir [Images], Taufiq Umar and Shahid Nazir all promised an exciting new season and called on the PCB to lift the domestic bans on them.

"The authorities have tried to discourage and scare players from signing up for the ICL but it is not working. I think the authorities should accept the ICL as a legal body as it is also working for the promotion of cricket and providing livelihood for new and old players," Mushtaq said.