Pakistan’s star Test player Muhammad Yousuf announced the expected formal retirement from international cricket saying he would continue to play first class and league cricket to remain fit and in touch with the sport.
In a brief announcement which initially did not include the world retirement made here Monday on the front terrace of Karachi Press Club during a Meet the Press Programme of the club, the bearded player, who had the test average of 53 plus, better than Javed Miandad and Inzamamul Haq, said he had decided to leave international cricket because the Pakistan Cricket Board had stated in an official letter that his presence in Pakistan cricket would damage Pakistan cricket.
He said he had taken the decision to quit international cricket so that he can save Pakistan cricket from damage as alleged by the PCB in its official letter. He had consulted his elders and friends before taking the decision, he said.
He said during his cricket career spanning 12 years, he had played for the glory of the country and whatever name and fame he had achieved was due to Pakistan and the public of Pakistan.
Damaging Pakistan’s name or national cricket would be last thing on his mind that was why he had selected the road to retirement because in that way he would help Pakistan cricket.
He said he would never do any thing that would damage country’s name and after the PCB wrote that his presence in the team would damage Pakistan cricket and honor, he decided to quit cricket only to save national cricket and honor of the country.
When repeatedly asked was his decision final and irrevocable and would he reverse his decision if the public of other stake holders in cricket pursued him to take it back, he gave no categorical answer but for a number of times during the programme used the phrase “for the time being quitting cricket was his decision” giving rise to doubts that he may take back the decision if right quarters approach him.
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