Thaindian News

London, July 20 (ANI): Pakistan assistant coach Ijaz Ahmed has hinted that the team management is seriously considering recalling former captain Mohammed Yousuf for the ongoing England tour.

Following the unexpected Test retirement of skipper Shahid Afridi last week, speculations were rife that the troubled Pakistani team management would recall either of the two former captains-Mohammed Yousuf or Younis Khan, both of whom were banned ‘indefinitely’ by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the winless Australia tour earlier this year.

Interacting with media persons at Headingly, Ijaz said Yousuf could replace Afridi but the team management is yet to take a final call on the issue.

“Yousuf can replace Afridi but the management haven’t decided yet who will come.It could come out in a couple of days,” said Ijaz.

“These are the only two players we are talking about, Younis Khan and Yousuf. Let’s see, it might be decided about Yousuf. Yousuf might be coming here,” he added.

Backing the selectors decision to promote Salman Butt from vice-captain to captain of the squad, Ijaz said that the left-hand opener has matured greatly over a period of time, and expressed hope that he would be able to manage things at the top level.

“He was the vice-captain as well. I hope he can manage this.We have done a lot of talking to him and he has played really well and is shaping up well. I think he is getting mature and now he has got the responsibility as well. I think he will come good for that,” The Daily Times quoted Ijaz, as saying. (ANI)