PCB says Yousuf is not leaving ICL

Lahore, Mar 29 (ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ijaz Butt has denied media reports that Mohammad Yousuf is ready to leave the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) to return to national duty.

"I have been hearing about it (Yousuf's plans to quit ICL) from the media," said Butt, a former Pakistani Test opener.

"I can comment for sure once I receive a formal request from the player," he added.

Reports in the last few days have suggested that Yousuf has made up his mind about quitting the unofficial ICL to resurrect his international career.

The 34-year-old batsman was banned last November after he switched to the rebel Twenty20 league.

Last month, Yousuf and 16 other players who have contracts with the ICL were allowed by the Sindh High Court to play domestic cricket but they are still banned from representing the country.

Butt made it clear that while he was keen to see the senior player back in the team but certain issues had to be sorted out.

"It is not a simple matter and we are looking into it. But I have told Yousuf that he has to meet certain conditions and give guarantees first to be considered for national selection," he said.

Yousuf has been banned since last year from playing for Pakistan after he joined the ICL, which is not recognised by the International Cricket Council or its member boards.

After meeting the PCB chief, Yousuf told reporters that he wants the PCB to include his name in the list of probables for the forthcoming One-day series against Australia and also for the Twenty20 World Cup in England.

However, Butt made it clear that Yousuf will have to pass a fitness test like all other players and be cleared by the selectors to play for Pakistan once again. (ANI)