PCB appeals to Yousuf to rejoin Pak team

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday appealed to batsman Mohammad Yousuf to snap his ties with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) and rejoin the national team.

Karachi, Feb.9, : The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday appealed to batsman Mohammad Yousuf to snap his ties with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) and rejoin the national team.

"If he decides to end his association with the ICL, I will see he is selected again for Pakistan the next day," PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt said.

Mohammad Yousuf had claimed last year that he had been shabbily treated by former captain Shoaib Malik and this had forced him to join ICL.

The PCB has banned all ICL-contracted players from playing domestic or international cricket in Pakistan.

Last week, however, the Sindh High Court suspended the ban on players.

Reacting to court's decision, Butt said he wanted to follow a procedure before allowing players to play in domestic cricket.

"We respect the court's decision, but we have to follow a procedure before players are cleared to play domestic cricket," he said.He said the ICL was not a legally recognized tournament and the PCB was bound by ICC regulations.

"I am willing to play Yousuf or any other player who joined the ICL, but the ICL is not a legal tournament in its home base," Butt stated.

Butt said Pakistan needed Yousuf at this point in time, but the board could not do anything until the court gave its final decision.

The next date of hearing in the case is February 10 when the PCB will also present its arguments.

ANI