Lahore: The PCB is learnt to have banned its star batsman Mohammad Yousuf after he announced joining the Indian Cricket League (ICL), considered as “rebel” to BCCI-promoted Indian Premier League (IPL).
Yousuf (34) had left for India on Monday without informing the PCB about his decision to join the ICL. His name was included in the 15-member squad for a three-match ODI series against the West Indies starting next week in Abu Dhabi, but was dropped when it was revealed that he had joined the ICL.
“Yousuf will remain banned from playing any type of cricket in Pakistan as he has joined the ICL,” the Daily Times quoted PCB Director (Cricket Operations) Zakir Khan as telling reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium here last evening.
The ICL has also confirmed that Yousuf has joined the ICL and will make his debut for the Lahore Badshahs on November 7.
Zakir said: “Our policy is clear. Yousuf can’t play for or in Pakistan, just like the other players who joined the ICL. His central contract has been terminated. No exception will be made for Yousuf in the board’s policy on the ICL, which will remain the same until it is changed by the ICC.”
Yousuf, Pakistan’s premier batsman, has played 79 Tests, scoring 6,770 runs at an average of 55.49, with 23 centuries.
Meanwhile, The News quoted Yousuf as saying that he was still keen to play for Pakistan despite signing up with ICL.
“I had a misunderstanding with the ICL. Now that has been sorted out and I will play for them. But I still want to play for my country. This matter is in the hands of the (Pakistan) board, if I get a call-up, I will definitely represent the country,” Yousuf said at a press conference.
The PCB has a strict policy of banning all players who have joined the unofficial ICL, which is backed by India’s.
Around 15 Pakistani players, including former captain Inzamam-ul Haq, had joined the league last year and were barred from playing international and national cricket by the PCB.
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