Yousuf willing to return from retirement for England tour

Jul 19, 2010 |

IANS

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Karachi, July 19: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has announced that he is ready to come out of retirement to bolster Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup on its ongoing tour of England.

Yousuf, who retired from international cricket earlier this year to protest against an indefinite ban imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), also said he is willing to play under any captain.

"If the team doesn’t need me, I stand retired. But if I’m needed, I am ready and available to serve my country," Yousuf, a former captain, was quoted as saying by Express Tribune Monday.

Yousuf, who previously said he could only return in a series against South Africa in October after the England tour, has now stated that he can join the team in England.

"I am available any time for the national team. If PCB invites me with respect I will definitely go, said Yousuf, adding he is fit to play international cricket.

"I can play under any captain and have never felt degraded playing under anyone."

Yousuf said he is in touch with the PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and has no issues with him.

The PCB has termed Yousuf's decision as a positive development.

"It is good that Yousuf is ready to play but we cannot make an instant decision. We are discussing this matter," Butt said from London.

He, however, ruled out Yousuf's return for the final Test against Australia but said that he could be brought in for the England series.

"It is not possible to include Yousuf for the last Test against Australia since there is little time left but his inclusion for series against England is a possibility," he said.

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