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Yousuf Calls it a Day

“I have decided to quit international cricket as a matter of principle after PCB imposed indefinite ban and its actions against me. The decision to quit has been done to avoid bringing the country and my name into disrepute”, Yousuf told newsmen at Karachi Press Club.

Yousuf, who embraced Islam few years back, was slapped ban for an indefinite period along with his teammate and former skipper, Younus Khan, after a disciplinary committee found both of them guilty of having worked against the interest of the national team.

Looking cool and composed despite a barrage of questions, Yousuf, said he always tried his best for Pakistan and never was involved in any controversies involving him with other players or PCB officials.

The stylish batsman was non-committal about whether to appeal against the ban although PCB had stated that all the players who had banned or fined were free to lodge an appeal within 30 days.

“I am in contact with my family and friends and a decision on whether to appeal against the ban or not will be taken in due course of time. PCB has blamed me for polluting the atmosphere of the dressing room and a bad influence on the team’s morale,” he said.

One of the finest batsmen to don the green cap with Test average of over 54, Yousuf, said that under the present situation and PCB actions and attitude towards him he had no other option left but to quit.

Yousuf also declined to respond to a query whether if the board decided to lift the ban he would reverse his decision. “If this happens only then I will be able to clarify my position on the issue. As the matter stands today I can not say anything further,” he added.

Agencies add: Asked if he could rescind his decision, Yousuf said: “at the moment my playing in the team is harmful so I am quitting”.

“If I get time, I would love to play first class cricket and private leagues,” he later added, admitting that his performance in Australia had not been up to scratch.

“I accept that as a senior batsman I didn’t perform up to expectations, but I still believe that I have cricket left in me,” said Yousuf, who made his debut against South Africa at Durban in 1998.

In 2005, he converted from Roman Catholicism to Islam and started preaching in his spare time.

“I am thankful to almighty Allah for blessing me with talent and I am very happy that I helped Pakistan win lots of matches,” said Yousuf, who defected to rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) after he was dropped from the team in 2007.

On persuasion from the PCB, Yousuf changed his mind only to rejoin the ICL in November 2008 and was subsequently banned from playing for Pakistan.