Date:06/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/06/stories/2008110655251800.htm

Sport - Cricket

PCB bans Yousuf

— PHOTO: AFP

Mohammad Yousuf.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) banned Mohammad Yousuf from the national team after the veteran batsman rejoined the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League on Wednesday.

“He is banned with immediate effect to play in or for Pakistan,” PCB Director Cricket Operations Zakir Khan said. “We have also terminated his central contract.”

Khan, however, denied it was a life ban. “We have a clear-cut policy on ICL players, which is that any player joining the ICL would be banned from playing any cricket for Pakistan and in Pakistan, but it’s not a life ban. As long as he plays for the ICL, the ban will remain.”

Yousuf was omitted from the 15-man squad for three One-Day Internationals against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi from November 12-16. He will be replaced by batsman Khalid Latif.

Yousuf travelled to New Delhi on Monday, hours after the team for the West Indies series was announced, without informing PCB officials or team management.

On Wednesday, ICL officials said the 34-year-old batsman had signed for the Lahore-based Badshahs in the rebel Twenty20 league. — Agencies