KARACHI:
Desperate to make a return to the national team, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf said he is ready to feature in first-class cricket.
Yousuf, who made his last international appearance in November 2010 in a One-Day International against South Africa, was involved in a training session with national team head coach Dav Whatmore at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore earlier this year.
However, he was clearly told by the selection committee that he would need to show his form in domestic cricket in order to be considered for the national team.
There were reports that UBL captain Shabbir Ahmed had approached Yousuf to feature for the side in the ongoing President’s Trophy but it failed to materialise.
But now Yousuf, who has for long been criticised for his poor fitness, has planned on featuring in the domestic tournament.
“I’ll be definitely playing in the President’s Trophy after Eid,” Yousuf told The Express Tribune. “But I’m yet to decide for which departmental team. For the time being, I’m working hard at the NCA to keep myself in good shape so that when I go out there I give my best to ensure a quick comeback to national ranks.”
A veteran of 90 Tests, 288 ODIs and three Twenty20 internationals, also felt that age was not an obstacle in his way of making a comeback, while admitting that it would be hard to return after a long break. “For now, I’m concentrating on doing well in domestic cricket in order to impress the selectors. As far as doing well in international cricket in concerned, only time would tell.”
Yousuf not eligible for President’s Trophy: PCB
However, it seems like Yousuf would probably need to wait a little longer to impress selectors, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the former captain is not eligible to turn up in the ongoing President’s Trophy.
A PCB official said that since Yousuf’s name was not included the 20-player list sent by the departments, he cannot feature in the ongoing tournament. He added that the only way Yousuf could be included was if a player was going on national duty which will not be the case after Eid.
“He would have to wait for a regional first-class tournament or T20 event if he desires to play in domestic matches,” said the official.
Shoaib’s ton rescues PIA
Seasoned-batsman Shoaib Khan scored a superb 121 to help PIA snatch a first-innings lead against NBP on day three of their President’s Trophy match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
PIA were bowled out for 341 in reply to NBP’s 323 as Najaf Shah and Shoaib added valuable runs to gain the lead. In reply, NBP were 146 for two with an overall lead of 128 runs going into the last day. Bilal Munir was unbeaten on 63, while Umair Khan was not out on 53.
Elsewhere, Ahmed Shahzad claimed a four-wicket haul to help HBL bowl out SBP for just 198 in reply to HBL’s 327 at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. HBL gained an overall lead of 175 at stumps.
In another match, UBL were in trouble against KRL as they were 103 for seven in second-innings with a meagre lead of 132.
Haris Sohail remained unbeaten on 113 as ZTBL conceded a nine-run first-innings lead against Wapda.
Meanwhile, Azam Hussain finished with 10 wickets in the match, giving PQA a glimmer of hope against SNGPL. Needing 248 to win, PQA were 64 for two.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2012.
COMMENTS (13)
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He can now safely be classified as "Has Been." He was a champion batsman not too long ago but lack of form, fitness and commitment would definitely feature as major impediments in his path towards a recall. I agree with rest of the posters that its high time to move on and heavily invest in the likes of Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq. With the pending sign-off on the career of Younis Khan, our team definitely needs another budding solid bat with a steely temperament and unfortunately Umar Akmal definitely ain't cut out for it.
Poor guy, Yusuf, should have been given a place in Pakistan team. After all, he has even changed his religion for pak captaincy.
he is better suited as coach now . PCB should utilize talent of this world class player
I think he deserve one more chance and should be part of at least Test squad. No one in current Pakistani team can match his class !
Its very very sad to know that batsman like M.yousuf has to struggle to make his place even in domestic cups, well its shame on bccp, those who are failling continiously are given more chances unneccessarily. Its time 2 say good bye to Cricket for Yousuf.
@sensible: About time for you to watch Pakistan tour of India 2007 ODI series matches again.
So he has started another preparation for retirement? First he will be included in squad than after 1 month he will retire from cricket. Its about time PCB should give a shut up call to him and give more chances to Azhar, Asad and Umar.
Player like Yousaf will make life difficult for captain and his past indicates this.
@Cynical: Thanks for keeping it civil I appreciate that. Of course MY is not in the prime of his life. However, instead of looking at 50 or 60 years old batting coaches from all over the world, he can do a much better job by actually showing them. We must not insult our national heroes. He is complex being a member of a minority who became a convert and surely had pressure from all side including parents. With all the politics and corruption in Pakistani team every person could go crazy. Cheers, Mirza
Yousuf - The Runs Machine ! besta luck champion...
best Pakistani batsman ever... and the most elegant & stylish batsman to have ever played the game !
@cynical Are u kidding me, you call yousuf selfish. He is one of few players who won number of matches for Pak, he has been a rescuer for Pak along with inzi, unlike today where shoaibs afridis akmals all play to secure their place, and mind you none of them deserve to play!
@Mirza I know you mean well. But this guy is complex and confused, also sheepish and selfish. Not a team man at the best of times. Pakistan should invest in and groom the likes of Azhar Alis, Asad Shafiqs and the Umar Akmals. Yunis Khan is a far better prospect as a player-cum-batting coach.
MY should have been a playing batting coach all these years instead of being wasted. We have been looking for a batting coach among men who have past their prime long ago and none of them have been in the class of MY even in their peak. What a shame and what a waste of talent. A departmental team should pull out one of the 20 players and make room for the great MY.
The case of MoYo kicking his national place - while he was at peak - for an unsanctioned cricket league should be a lesson for every cricketer. Good on him that team Pakistan unearthed the Azhar Alis, Asad Shafiqs and the Umar Akmals. Not the same class, but Pakistan cricket is surviving.