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Yousuf, Younus could be recalled for England Tour: Butt
PCB chairman Ijaz Butt has not ruled out the possibility of former captains, Muhammad Yousuf and Younis Khan being called back for the England tour.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: July 18, 2010 10:04 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
Karachi:
Butt said both would first have to inform about their availability to play for Pakistan and then the board and the selectors would decide upon their next line of action.
He also confirmed that he had spoken to Yousuf over phone but declined to divulge any details.
"The issue of both these players was discussed at our meeting in London yesterday where it was felt that since there is little time left before the start of second Test against Australia at Leeds, it would be difficult to judge their fitness and form," Butt said.
"Since we have tour games before the Test series against England they can be considered but obviously first the selectors and the team management must feel satisfied that they are fit and ready to return to top cricket," Butt added.
Interestingly Younus is already in England playing for Surrey county and has also been among the runs while Yousuf recently took part in the Lahore Premier League competition in his hometown.
It was Yousuf's first appearance on a cricket field after having announced his retirement from international cricket in March to protest the decision of the board to impose an indefinite ban on him for indiscipline on the Australian tour early in the year when he was the captain.
Butt also said that he was satisfied with the performance of the young players in the first test at Lord's and said Salman Butt was the best choice to lead the team in Tests after Shahid Afridi's retirement from five-day cricket.
"I am sure Salman can handle the situation and pressure and cope well and take the team forward. The fact is sooner or later we need to induct younger players into the side," he said.
Yousuf has so remained a low profile person and avoided speaking to the media but a source said he was also eager for another two to three years in international cricket.
Younus, on his part, has also maintained a low profile attitude and when contacted in London declined to make any comments on the prevailing situation in Pakistan cricket.
PCB chairman Ijaz Butt has not ruled out the possibility of former captains, Muhammad Yousuf and Younus Khan returning to the national team for the Test series against England next month.Butt said both would first have to inform about their availability to play for Pakistan and then the board and the selectors would decide upon their next line of action.
He also confirmed that he had spoken to Yousuf over phone but declined to divulge any details.
"The issue of both these players was discussed at our meeting in London yesterday where it was felt that since there is little time left before the start of second Test against Australia at Leeds, it would be difficult to judge their fitness and form," Butt said.
"Since we have tour games before the Test series against England they can be considered but obviously first the selectors and the team management must feel satisfied that they are fit and ready to return to top cricket," Butt added.
Interestingly Younus is already in England playing for Surrey county and has also been among the runs while Yousuf recently took part in the Lahore Premier League competition in his hometown.
It was Yousuf's first appearance on a cricket field after having announced his retirement from international cricket in March to protest the decision of the board to impose an indefinite ban on him for indiscipline on the Australian tour early in the year when he was the captain.
Butt also said that he was satisfied with the performance of the young players in the first test at Lord's and said Salman Butt was the best choice to lead the team in Tests after Shahid Afridi's retirement from five-day cricket.
"I am sure Salman can handle the situation and pressure and cope well and take the team forward. The fact is sooner or later we need to induct younger players into the side," he said.
Yousuf has so remained a low profile person and avoided speaking to the media but a source said he was also eager for another two to three years in international cricket.
Younus, on his part, has also maintained a low profile attitude and when contacted in London declined to make any comments on the prevailing situation in Pakistan cricket.
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