Yousuf says he is ready to play under any captain

KARACHI: In what could be regarded as a positive development considering Pakistan team’s batting situation in England where no batsman averages more than 36, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has said that he is ready to come out of retirement and is willing to play under any captain.

The batting maestro, who is one of the few Pakistan batsman to average more than 53 in Test cricket, announced his retirement after an indefinite ban was imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He did not appeal against the ban but has expressed his desire to play for Pakistan again.

“If the team doesn’t need me I stand retired. But if I’m needed, I am ready and available to serve my country,” Yousuf told reporters yesterday at the inauguration of an outlet in Karachi.

Earlier, the PCB indicated the inclusion of Younus Khan along with Yousuf to bolster Pakistan’s fragile batting following Shahid Afridi’s abrupt Test retirement.

Interestingly, Yousuf, who previously said he could only return in a series against South Africa in October after the England tour, has now stated that he can join the team in England.

“I am available any time for my national team,” said Yousuf while adding that he is fit to play international cricket.

The former captain however, made it clear that he would not approach the PCB in a bid to make his return.

“If PCB invites me with respect I will definitely go and join the team,” said Yousuf while also adding that he has constantly in touch with the PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and has no issues with him.

When asked if he was willing to play under the newly-appointed captain Salman Butt, Yousuf gave a positive response.

“I can play under any captain and have never felt degraded playing under anyone,” said the former captain.

The middle-order batsman also said that he fully respected PCB’s decision to appoint Butt as captain.

“It’s a PCB decision and everybody should respect it”, he said.

Yousuf may return: PCB

The PCB has termed Yousuf’s statement on his return to the national team as a positive development.

“It is good that Yousuf is ready to play but we cannot make an instant decision about it and are already on a discussion in this matter,” said the PCB chairman from London.

He ruled out the batsman’s return for the final Test against Australia but said that Yousuf could be brought in for the England series.

“It is not possible to include Yousuf for the last Test against Australia since there is little time left but his inclusion for series against England is a possibility”, he said.

Ego may hinder Yousuf’s inclusion

While PCB chairman has welcomed Yousuf’s statement, his subordinates believe Yousuf’s ego issue might block his entry in the team.

“Yousuf is very egoistic and it is not very easy for the PCB chairman to reach a consensus with him”, said a PCB official.

The official also suggested that Yousuf will have to appeal against the ban imposed on him. “Yousuf has said that he will return when the PCB invites him but has not informed if he is filing an appeal against his ban which is a must,” added the official.

Published in The Express Tribune July 19^th, 2010.