Yousuf out, Younus in

Cricket team undergoes surprise changes as Mohammad Yousuf is ruled out due to an injury and Younus Khan is selected.

Pakistan suffered a serious blow Wednesday with experienced batsman Mohammad Yousuf ruled out of the limited over series against South Africa next week while team selectors have included Younus Khan in the team.

Mohammad Yousuf has been ruled out of the series against South Africa next week, team manager Intikhab Alam said.

The 36-year-old ruptured a muscle in his right leg during training last week and Alam said the injury was serious.

"Yousuf has informed us of the gravity of the injury and, since its a second grade tear of the muscle, he will not be able to play in the limited over series but he will be available for the two Tests that follow," Alam told AFP.

Pakistan play two Twenty20, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Tests against South Africa in the UAE.

The series starts with Twenty20 matches, the first scheduled in Abu Dhabi on October 26. After the second T20 the following day, the teams will play five one-day matches followed by two Tests - one each in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Alam said Yousuf's experience will be missed. The veteran batsman has so far played 90 Tests, 287 one-day internationals and three T20 for Pakistan since making his debut in 1998.

Younus Khan back on board

The long-running battle between cricketer Younus Khan and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally been resolved as Younus submitted a written apology to the PCB and has found his place back on the team.

The former captain held a meeting with PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt today, during which they resolved all outstanding issues amicably.

Younus is expected to return to the side, possibly as soon as the series against South Africa in the UAE later this month.

He played his last ODI match against Australia in January at Perth.

Younus' return could be hastened by the pullout from the ODI squad of Mohammad Yousuf who is out with a hamstring injury.