Mohammad Yousuf, former captain and one of Pakistan’s most prolific middle-order batsmen, on Monday announced his retirement from international cricket, blaming the country’s cricket establishment for forcing him to take this decision.
“I have decided to retire from international cricket now, given the conditions I have faced in recent times,” Yousuf told a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Monday.
Yousuf was the captain on Pakistan’s recent tours to New Zealand and Australia where the team lost heavily after which the Pakistan Cricket Board set up an inquiry committee to probe into the team’s poor performances.
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The committee recommended indefinite bans on Yousuf and his predecessor Younis Khan, charging them with infighting and bringing the team morale down.
“The board sent me a letter stating that I have been a disruptive influence on the team in Australia. So I feel that it is better that I retire,” Yousuf said.
“I have always given my best for my country and I don’t want to play and cause problems in the team so it is better I retire now,” he added.
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Yousuf, who refused to take any questions at the press conference, said that he would continue to play domestic cricket and in foreign leagues as he didn’t want to lose contact with the game.
“The Board has not given me a chance to defend myself and I have just been charged with something that has disheartened me,” said the top order batsman.