Yousuf a long-race horse, says Akram

New Delhi:

Senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf, who cracked a century on his comeback match for Pakistan after severing ties with the 'rebel' Indian Cricket League, still has lot to offer, feels former captain Wasim Akram.

Yousuf returned to the national team in style, smashing 112 in the first innings of the opening match of three-Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle.

"Yousuf scoring a ton in his comeback Test is a way of telling the selectors that how great a player he is. A player like Yousuf cannot be kept out of the team," said Akram. "Yousuf is a kind of player who can fit into any side of the world. I think, he is a long-race horse," Akram added.

The former left-arm pacer also hailed Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to offer central contracts to three ICL returnees, including Yousuf.

"It is a positive move by the PCB. The players have unfortunately borne the brunt of wearing the 'rebel' tags for three good years," Akram said.

"And now when they have snapped all their ties with the ICL, they certainly deserve a place in the national side. Pakistan need them if they have to do well," he said.

Besides, Yousuf, the PCB has also offered contracts to opener Imran Nazir and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who played an important role in Pakistan's last month Twenty20 World Cup triumph in England.