Yousuf Defends ICL Switch And PCB Confirms Ban

Yousuf Defends ICL Switch And PCB Confirms Ban

Mohammad Yousuf has defended his switch to the Lahore Badshahs.

©REUTERS/Andy Clark (TRINIDAD & TOBAGO). Picture Supplied by Action Images

Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has defended his decision to end his international career by signing to play in the Indian Cricket League for the Lahore Badshahs.

His decision was relayed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday after they had picked him to travel to Abu Dhabi to play in a One Day International series against the West Indies and they reacted to Yousuf's defence by confirming he will be banned from playing for or in Pakistan.

"(While) he is contracted to the ICL our policy is clear he can't play for or in Pakistan, just like the other players who joined the league," Zakir Khan, director of cricket operations for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) told the media in Lahore.

"I know I can't play for Pakistan," Yousuf had earlier told a news conference. "I want to play, but the decision is up to them (PCB). Whatever, my performance shows I can play all forms of cricket.

"(For the) last one year, I've not played tests," he said, making reference to the fact that teams are reluctant to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.

ICL officials have said they will now withdraw a a legal case for breach of contract after Yousuf, who signed up last year, tried to switch to the official Indian Premier League.

"I made a mistake so I have come back," Yousuf said. "I didn't talk to the PCB chairman."

Yousuf, who made 6,770 runs in 79 Tests including 23 centuries, will now take his place alongside former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq in the all-Pakistan Badshahs side.

© Cricket World 2008