Yousuf looks to Sri Lanka after Lashings success
Former captain gains confidence after scoring two centuries.
KARACHI:
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.
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.