Although former Pakistan
captain Mohammad Yousuf’s career appears silent right now, various
departments and regions still consider him a ‘useful’ player and intend
to use his services for the upcoming domestic season.
Reports surfaced last week that Yousuf had announced his retirement
from all formats – and not for the first time – following the Pakistan
Cricket Board’s (PCB) snub to him when handing out the central contracts
for the second half of the year. However, the former batsman is yet to
confirm his latest retirement in public as he is currently in England
playing for Smethwick cricket club.
Despite the report, the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA)
President Khawaja Nadeem – who has close relations with the batsman –
ruled out the news citing it mere speculation.
“We’ve already offered him a place in the regional squad for the
upcoming season,” Nadeem told The Express Tribune. “He’s a great player
and should be treated with utmost respect and honour. I don’t know what
future the PCB has decided for him but I can confirm that he hasn’t
retired.”
The 36-year-old, a veteran of 90 Tests and 288 One-Day
Internationals, last played for Pakistan in 2010 against South Africa,
returning home midway due to fitness issues.
“I think there’s a vast communication gap between Yousuf and the PCB
which needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. He still has a year of
cricket left in him and I think his services for Pakistan cricket are
exceptional and Pakistan should utilise whatever is left of him.”
Meanwhile, The PCB confirmed to The Express Tribune that the batsman
has neither shared his retirement decision with the board nor has he
shown availability.
Domestic cricket awating Yousuf
Yousuf, who turns 37 this month, scored 109, 68 and 72 in his last
three innings for Warwickshire in the English county championship in
May. Last year he left Wapda and joined Lahore after a fallout with
teammate Rana Navedul Hasan. However, Wapda’s head of sports Naveed
Akram Cheema still remains optimistic about Yousuf’s return to the
department side.
“He resigned from the side last year,” said Cheema. “The door was
never shut on him. He’s a wonderful player and everyone wants him to
play for them. So whenever he wants to return, the department will
welcome him.”
On the contrary, another departmental side ZTBL is very keen to recruit Yousuf for the upcoming season.
“The bank intended to hire him but failed to establish any contact
with him,” said ZTBL Manager Sports Masood Anwar. “He’s one of the
finest batsmen in the country and a fabulous player to have in the
squad. I learnt about his retirement but I’m sure it’s just speculation
as he never appeared before the media or conveyed this to anyone else.”
New By : Express Tribune
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