‘I’m not going back’, says Pakistan batsman
MOHAMMAD Yousuf has returned back to the Pakistan fold after quitting the unofficial Indian Cricket League for the second time.
The record-making batsman could return to first team cricket for Pakistan who had imposed a ban on the player as long as he kept association with the ICL.
Yousuf had signed up with the ICL in 2007 but was lured out of the contract by the PCB administration of the day.
However, legal wrangles denied him an IPL contract in 2008 and he rejoined the ICL in November.
That virtually ended his career with Pakistan, but the latest development could see him back in national colours in little more than a month’s time.
Yousuf was joined in his decision by former international bowler Abdul Razzaq.
“It is a great relief to be cleared to play for Pakistan again because I have missed the competition that is available while playing for your country,” Yousuf told PTI. “I had given my resignation to the board sometime back and finally the ICL has accepted it.”
“What happened in the past is now in the past,” he said. “My experience with the ICL was a short one but there is no greater pride then playing for your country.”
Razzaq had a longer spell with the ICL, joining the league in 2007 after he was excluded from the World Twenty20 squad the same year.
He was one of the key players for the Hyderabad Heroes in their title win in 2008.
“I had resigned from the league sometime back. “But I have always said I wanted to play for Pakistan and it was the board’s decision to not allow us to play for the national team.”
He also assured that the ICL had no issues with him quitting. “They understand the situation and they never stopped us from playing for our country they looked after us well.”
The ICC World Twenty20 has come too soon for the duo, but they are expected to join up with the team after the England tournament.
