International Cricket News: Muhammad Yousuf Returns
Former Pakistan Captain, Muhammad Yousuf plans to return to international cricket during the tour of UAE in October and November, where Pakistan are set to face South Africa for two Tests, five ODI’s and a Twenty20. He has already made his wishes to feature in domestic tournaments clear, by stating that he will play as long as he is fit. His untimely retirement came after the Pakistan Cricket Board imposed an indefinite ban on 10th March 2010, following an inquiry into the teams defeat in the tour of Australia. According to an official statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Muhammad Yousuf would not be selected again on terms of initiating disputes and arguments amongst the team.
Muhammad Yousaf made his Test debut against South Africa and One Day International debut against Zimbabwe. He has scored over 9000 One Day International runs and has the record for scoring the most runs without being dismissed in a One Day International match. He also holds the record of being the top scorer during the years 2002 and 2003 in the world as far as One Day International matches are concerned.
Yousuf was named CNN-IBN’s Cricketer of the Year for 2006, beating Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara of West Indies and Australian spinner Shane Warne. He was selected as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in the 2007 edition and also became the fourth recipient of the ICC ‘Test Cricketer of the Year’. Along with Mohammad Asif, Yousuf was named in the 2007 Test Team of the Year. In the same year Yousuf broke two world records previously held by former West Indies batsman, Viv Richards. The 32 year old Pakistani managed to achieve 1788 runs in just 10 Test matches with the help of twelve centuries which became his second world record.
With great composure and technique, Yousuf is known for his ability to score runs at an exceptional rate. He is capable of hitting the ball hard, and is very quick between the wickets but that makes him prone to being run out. He is a world class fielder and according to a report which was published in 2005, it has statistically been proven that Yousuf had the ninth highest number of run-outs since the 1999 World Cup.
It was reported in 2007 that Muhammad Yousuf had plans to join the Indian Cricket League, in which case he wouldn’t be allowed to play for the Pakistan Cricket Team. However, Yousuf changed his mind and signed a contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board. A few short months later he joined the Indian Premier League while there was an on-going battle with the Indian Cricket League, because of which he couldn’t sign with the Indian Premier League. Yousuf re-signed with the Indian Cricket League in November 2008 and was banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board. In the hopes of getting a recall for his country, Yousuf quit the Indian Cricket League in early May 2009. He was in the squad for the 2009 Test series In Sri Lanka.
On 20 March 2010, Yousuf announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket, a direct result of the indefinite ban handed down by the PCB. "I received a letter from the PCB that my staying in the team is harmful for the team, so I announce my retirement from international cricket," he said at a press conference in Karachi. Yousuf has kept a low profile since then, but is now taking steps to restart his cricket career by appearing in the Lahore Premier League, a local club tournament.
Yousuf said the main objective for domestic cricket was to train young players, and he would be glad to help out. He was invited by the LCCA to play city’s cricket league, which is grade 2 level cricket. The former captain believes that such leagues are the best way to find young talent and he looks forward to the challenge the club level tournament of the Lahore Premier League will present. "I plan to play domestic cricket this season but right now international cricket is not on my mind. If I do plan to return I will target the Test and one-day series against South Africa later this year in the UAE."
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