Moin91
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LAHORE: The recently awarded the Test player of the year by the International Cricket Council, Muhammad Yousuf , surrendering from the Indian Cricket League (ICL)has decided to render more services for Pakistan in the field of cricket.
Mohammad Yousuf has agreed to cancel his contract with the ICL and opted instead to represent Pakistan after talks with Dr Nasim Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Muhammad Yousuf called on the chairman PCB at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and talked with him for an hour after which both addressed a five-minute news conference in which the media was not allowed to ask any question.
Dr Nasim Ashraf said: "I had a fruitful meeting with Yousuf today and he has signed a central contract with the PCB after agreeing not to play in the ICL," Ashraf said. "He is now available to represent Pakistan. He is the backbone of Pakistan's batting and we are happy that he is back."
Muhammad Yousuf said that he is happy to play for Pakistan again. He was assured regarding his future and he has therefore decided to cancel his contract with the ICL.
"Whatever I have achieved is because of my country and I am willing to do anything for Pakistan," Yousuf said. "I didn't know this clause in the ICL contract that priority had to be given to the league instead of Pakistan when international matches are happening simultaneously."
Dr Nasim Ashraf said that Muhammad Yousuf is continuing his physical training. He will begin the training from Friday in Lahore and join the national team on Saturday in Karachi.
Yousuf, together with Inzamam-ul-Haq, Imran Farhat and Abdul Razzaq, signed on with the league over a month ago. Though it wasn't said at the time, the decision was thought to be a result of his axing from Pakistan's squad for the ICC World Twenty20. Razzaq, who was also axed, announced his retirement from international cricket, a decision he has yet to take back.
Though no similar moves have been made for the other three, the development represents a considerable coup for the Pakistan board, who have made no secret of their desire to lure Yousuf back. With the first Test against South Africa to begin on Monday, it means he is at least available to shore up a thin-looking middle order, which already has to fill the considerable gap left by Inzamam.
Mohammad Yousuf has agreed to cancel his contract with the ICL and opted instead to represent Pakistan after talks with Dr Nasim Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Muhammad Yousuf called on the chairman PCB at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore and talked with him for an hour after which both addressed a five-minute news conference in which the media was not allowed to ask any question.
Dr Nasim Ashraf said: "I had a fruitful meeting with Yousuf today and he has signed a central contract with the PCB after agreeing not to play in the ICL," Ashraf said. "He is now available to represent Pakistan. He is the backbone of Pakistan's batting and we are happy that he is back."
Muhammad Yousuf said that he is happy to play for Pakistan again. He was assured regarding his future and he has therefore decided to cancel his contract with the ICL.
"Whatever I have achieved is because of my country and I am willing to do anything for Pakistan," Yousuf said. "I didn't know this clause in the ICL contract that priority had to be given to the league instead of Pakistan when international matches are happening simultaneously."
Dr Nasim Ashraf said that Muhammad Yousuf is continuing his physical training. He will begin the training from Friday in Lahore and join the national team on Saturday in Karachi.
Yousuf, together with Inzamam-ul-Haq, Imran Farhat and Abdul Razzaq, signed on with the league over a month ago. Though it wasn't said at the time, the decision was thought to be a result of his axing from Pakistan's squad for the ICC World Twenty20. Razzaq, who was also axed, announced his retirement from international cricket, a decision he has yet to take back.
Though no similar moves have been made for the other three, the development represents a considerable coup for the Pakistan board, who have made no secret of their desire to lure Yousuf back. With the first Test against South Africa to begin on Monday, it means he is at least available to shore up a thin-looking middle order, which already has to fill the considerable gap left by Inzamam.
