Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has dismissed the impressions that he is trying to enter the national squad through a ‘shortcut’, saying he will continue the hard work and wait until his turn comes to play for his country again.
Yousuf, who last played for Pakistan during the five-match one-day international series against South Africa in November 2010, has stayed away from any form of cricket for at least nine months. However, Yousuf started training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) earlier this month and underwent a fitness test under the supervision of head coach Dav Whatmore, fuelling speculation of his return to the national team ahead of the Sri Lanka series.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief selector Iqbal Qasim, however, ruled out the immediate return of the 37-year-old, saying Yousuf will have to prove his worth and play in the domestic circuit first. Following the chief selector’s remarks, Yousuf said he would continue the hard work he has put in as he aims to win back his place in the side.
“I’ve returned to playing cricket. I believe I can play for my country again and continue doing so for a few years,” Yousuf told The Express Tribune.
He said, “I am not looking at shortcuts to gain an entry in the team. I’m concentrating on continuing the hard work that I’ve put in and play at any level till I regain my place in the playing-eleven.”
“I won’t be disappointed if I’m not selected for the Sri Lanka tour and will play domestic cricket to gain the selectors’ confidence,” he added.
Pakistan will play two Twenty20s, five One-Day Internationals and three Tests against Sri Lanka on their sojourn starting early June.
ANI
First Published: Monday, April 30, 2012, 14:54