'Humiliated' Yousuf decides to hang up his boots

Karachi, Mar.27 (ANI): Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Yousuf has reportedly decided to quit international cricket in protest against the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to ban him for an indefinite period.

Yousuf would be announcing his retirement on Monday.

"Yes, I have decided to retire as Pakistan player and my decision is not an emotional one. It's of no use playing after such an insult which is unacceptable and I will announce my decision on Monday," Yousuf told a foreign news agency.

The PCB had slapped an indefinite ban on Yousuf and his teammate Younis Khan after a report of the inquiry committee, which was set up to look into reasons behind Pakistan's deplorable performance during Australia tour.

Pakistan drew the three-match series in New Zealand 1-1 but lost all three Tests, five one-day and a Twenty20 match in Australia.

Earlier this week, the 35-year-old middle order batsman, who scored most number of Test runs in a calendar year in 2006 breaking the record of Vivian Richards, had said that he would appeal against the PCB's decision.

"Yes, I may still appeal, but a final decision will be taken on Monday," Yousuf had said.

"I am deeply hurt because I have always played with commitment for my country and fans know this, but not those people who run cricket, this is a big tragedy," he added.

The PCB also denied any central contract to Yousuf, which were announced earlier this week.

Originally a Roman Catholic, Yousuf converted to Islam in 2005 and has since been involved in preaching besides playing cricket.

Yousuf has so far played 88 Tests for Pakistan, scoring 7,431 runs with 24 hundreds. He has also scored 9,624 in 282 one-day internationals.

He was declared best player of 2007 by the International Cricket Council (ICC). (ANI)