Thaindian News

By Omar Khalid
Karachi, March 29 (IANS) Former Pakistan skipper Mohammad Yousuf Monday announced his retirement but surprisingly declared it was a decision “for the time being” only.

Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Yousuf, clad in a traditional salwar kameez, said he was dejected at Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to ban him from international cricket and the harsh punishment prompted him to quit the game.

“In a letter sent to me by the PCB I was told that my presence in the national team is harmful for Pakistan cricket,” said the 35-year-old who led Pakistan on its disastrous tour of Australia December-February.

“I don’t want to cause any more harm to Pakistan which is very dear to me. That is why I’ve decided to retire after thinking about the issue and on the advice of elders.”

Yousuf was slapped an “indefinite” ban by the PCB earlier this month after the board’s probe panel found him guilty of indulging in “infighting”.

His teammate and former captain Younis Khan was also banned indefinitely while Shoaib Malik, another former captain, and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan were banned for one year besides being handed hefty fines. Shahid Afridi, the current Twenty20 captain, was slapped a Rs.3 million fine and kept on probation for six months while the Akmal brothers — Kamran and Umar — also received similar punishment.

Asked whether his decision to retire is final, Yousuf said it seemed so to him for the time being. “I’ve retired for the time being,” he said when asked again whether he would take back the decision if his fans or the PCB force him to do so.

Yousuf, who played 88 Tests, said he was proud to have represented and captained Pakistan.

“I thank the fans around the world, all the senior players and family members for supporting me throughout my 12-year career,” said Yousuf, who scored 7,431 runs at an average of 53.07, hitting 24 centuries. He also scored 9,624 runs in 282 one-day internationals.