Yousuf is astounded that the PCB are stopping him from making his international return
Former Pakistan Test captain Mohammad Yousuf has lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for stopping him from playing in the ongoing President’s Trophy first-class tournament.
Yousuf, who last played for Pakistan in November 2010, is currently trying to claw his way back into the national team by posting up outstanding performances at the domestic level.
Yousuf also revealed that the PCB have not responded to a request by the Port Qasim Authority team to allow them to include the veteran in their squad for the President’s Trophy.
“I don’t understand the attitude of the board. On one hand the selectors say I must play in domestic cricket to prove my form and fitness and on other hand the board is not giving me clearance to play in the tournament, I still want to play first-class cricket and I know I am good enough to make a comeback to international cricket. But I am waiting for a response from the board,” Yousuf said.
The Pakistan national selectors have been reluctant to include Yousuf in any of the national team’s recent series mainly due to his form and fitness.
But, Yousuf stated that he was desperate to play for Pakistan again and would do everything in his power to regain a spot on the national roster.
“But now in these circumstances I want to prove myself and my form to the selectors as I want to play again for Pakistan and end my career with a bang,” Yousuf added.
However, before the start of the President’s Trophy tournament, Yousuf’s name was not on the Port Qasim team list and according to the rules, no player can be included in a team once their roster has been submitted.
But, a source within the PCB noted that Yousuf’s case was still under consideration since a special request had been made by former Pakistan captain and current coach of the Port Qasim team Rashid Latif.
“But there are certain rules and regulations we have to adhere to in domestic cricket, the special permission can only be given by the Executive Coordination Committee of the PCB,” the source said.
Latif mentioned that he was shocked and appalled at the PCB’s lazy attitude towards one of the greatest players to have ever played for Pakistan.
“We had sent the request to the Director-General cricket, Javed Miandad and the board should at least respond and say yes or no, this is not the way to treat a legendary player like Mohammad Yousuf,” Latif added.