Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf, who returned from England after a successful brief stint with Lashings World XI Cricket Club, is now eyeing the inaugural Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) as he strives to make his international comeback.
The experienced middle order batsman, who last played for Pakistan in the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against South Africa in November 2010, resurfaced prior to the ongoing tour of Sri Lanka when he trained under the supervision of coach Dav Whatmore. The 37-year old declared himself fit to return to the national fold and but the selectors decided against including him for the tour, citing his long absence from domestic cricket.
But, the former captain remained determined, saying that he will continue the hard work in order to make his international return and left to play for Lashings late last month.
The veteran of 90 Tests and 288 ODIs scored two centuries in the three matches he played for Lashings, including a 121-run knock against Rockhampton.
“It’s been a long time since I played competitive cricket,” Yousuf told The Express Tribune. “Although I was confident about my form before the tour, the two centuries have helped me a lot. I felt fit and comfortable during the matches despite playing long innings. The stint has lifted my morale and I will continue the struggle to make a comeback.
Batsman seeks SLPL contract
Yousuf said he was looking to play foreign leagues due to a break in the domestic season.
“I want to play continuous cricket,” he said. “I am open for a stint in the SLPL and have shown my availability to the organisers through my representative.”
However, he said he does not have any plans of featuring in the current county season.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 16th, 2012.
COMMENTS (13)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1714129906-0/Clint-Eastwood-(1)1714129906-0-270x192.webp)
I very much like Mohammad Yusuf. I have been watching cricket for the last 20 years and found that MY one of the best technic batsman in the world. When he come to bat for cries every time I watch him. Honorable MY not hit the ball hardly but his timing was superb. It is my opinion that he should play for Pakistan Cricket Team for test match. Hope my dream come true. I can say that one MY left the field but second MY (Hashim Amla) has entered in the field. I salute to both of them.
Retirement is a culture?,anotha joke.haha
If Misbah can be in the team then why not Yousuf, at least in the test team. Besides, he is younger than Misbah. Who is fit in the current Pakistan team? Based on their current fielding and catching in Sri Lanka, Yousuf can't be any worse, but certainly brings better batting option in the test team.
@Aka pakistanis use retirement as a protest.this is sth u cannot understand.u dont understand pakistani culture.
@Adnan: jealous? truth is always bitter..how cn player take retirement in btwen..???and get back in team so soon...younus khan,afridi and yusuf are stil playing...by doing dis pakistani players mkng fun of der country...great players take retirement once..nt again nd again...dis players arent great like wasim,imran or haq.
@Aka: That could only have come from a jealous Indian
At least for Tests I will go with Muhammad Yousuf... in ODIs I think its better to try out young talent.. As for T20s try out all the domestic talent let c what they are made of.
I don't get how people can keep saying yousuf deserves a place in the team.. he is too old and too unfit.. he is no ricky ponting or even steve waugh for that matter, regarding fitness.. having a good lashing series becomes a criteria now?? i remember quite a few tried and tested and failed pakistanis have had outstanding lashings.. even when he was young he couldnt dive or field well, getting run out all the time n getting others into trouble.. in addition he is not a good man.. someone who is not grateful for what he has had in his life and be content, instead cries out all the time for injustices and to be picked again, how can he be a good muslim? quits one day unquits the other.. he has had more mood swings then a pregnant lady on steroids.. classy batsman but his time is up
He should be in the Team, Pak is already suffering from batting crises. GOOD LUCK TO MUHAMMAD YOUSAF, i like you because You are a good muslim also..........
MY is more fit than the youngsters like Azhar Ali and he should have been in the Pakistani team all along as a playing batting coach. MY was going to win the Sydney test but for the Akmal and Butt's shady behavior. As a result MY was sacked and Butt captain and the rest is history. MY was set up by the corrupt players.
He is old and nt fit fo international cricket..pak cricket is so funny.. younus khan,afridi and yousuf retired 4m cricket den they al r bck in d team ...pak cricket is a joke.haha
Yousuf should play in the IPL.
Congratulations to Muhammad Yousaf on a successful England tour. I do believe that Yousaf has all the potential to give our batting line the depth we are lacking since long. Over a period of time our triumphs as solely based on bowling. With Yousaf inclusion there is a fair chance of winning the matches with bat as well. Regards Kaptslim +923457000137