KARACHI, (Reuters) – Former Pakistan captain and senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf has been summoned out of retirement to join the team for the rest of their series in England, the Pakistan Cricket Board said yesterday.
A board statement added that uncapped left-arm spinner Raza Hasan, a member of the Pakistan under-19 squad that reached the ICC World Youth Cup final this year, has also been called up.
The moves followed Pakistan’s humiliating 354-run defeat by England on Sunday in the first match of a four-test series.
“The tour selection committee requested us to rush Yousuf and Reza to England and we are hoping it would be possible for Yousuf to play in the second test starting from Friday,” chief selector Mohsin Khan told Reuters.
“There are logistical issues involved in sending Yousuf immediately to England but we are trying our best, as the team management wants him.”
Yousuf, who turns 36 this month, has played 88 tests and 282 one-day internationals and captained the side in New Zealand and Australia this year.
In March he was banned by the board for an indefinite period after an inquiry into the team’s poor performances found players guilty of misconduct and indiscipline.
Yousuf reacted to the ban by announcing his retirement from international cricket but recently announced he was ready to play for Pakistan again.
Khan also said leg-spinner Danish Kaneria had been released to play for Essex.
“Danish can be called up for selection whenever he is required as he will be in England,” Khan said.
