PCB declines Yousuf's resignation

Former captain Mohammad Yousuf stepped down from his role as a selector. Photo: AFP/File

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has declined the resignation of former Test cricketer Mohammad Yousuf, who recently stepped down from his role as a selector for the Pakistan national team.

In a strategic move, the PCB is set to redefine Yousuf's contributions, offering him a choice between two to three new responsibilities.

Sources indicate that the board is eager to retain Yousuf's expertise in shaping Pakistan cricket, and discussions are underway to integrate him into a more impactful role.

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi affirmed this direction during a press conference, stating, "We are not letting Yousuf go anywhere."

Naqvi highlighted Yousuf's ongoing involvement with the board, particularly in coordinating preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

He also emphasized the PCB's plans to engage former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, stating, "Razzaq is important, Yousuf is important too. I'm consulting other former cricketers as well. I invite them to join us in working for the betterment of Pakistan cricket."

Naqvi has stated that Pakistan is ready to address India's concerns regarding crossing the border to play in next year's prestigious Champions Trophy. "

If India has concerns, they should inform us, and we will address their reservations,"

The PCB chief, who also serves as the federal interior minister, told reporters at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday. The PCB chief also confirmed that the multi-nation tournament will be held in Pakistan, reaffirming, "We are committed to hosting the tournament in Pakistan as planned."

The former captain had announced his resignation earlier this week via Twitter, citing personal reasons. He expressed pride in serving Pakistan cricket, stating, "I announce my resignation as a selector for the Pakistan cricket team due to personal reasons. Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan Cricket."

He further added, "I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players, and I wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness."

Yousuf, one of Pakistan's most celebrated cricketers, enjoyed a stellar career from 1998 to 2010, amassing over 17,000 international runs. He still holds the record for the most Test runs in a calendar year, with 1,788 runs scored in 2006.

New batting coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed former first-class cricketer Shahid Aslam as the national men's team's batting coach ahead of the upcoming white-ball tour to Zimbabwe, sources claimed on Tuesday.

According to the details, Shahid will serve as the permanent batting coach in light of the national team's recent woes in the department, especially in the recently-concluded T20I series against Australia.

Reliable sources further added that Shahid was recommended for the role by newly-appointed interim white-ball head coach Aqib Javed, considering his vast experience of training the batters.

Shahid was a part of the national men's team's support staff for several years during multiple stints. His first assignment will be the white-ball tour of Zimbabwe, followed by a full-fledged South Africa tour.

Pakistan's batters had a forgetful T20I series against Australia. In the three-match series Usman Khan remained the sole batter to score a half-century, amassing 59 runs in three innings.

Star batter Babar Azam, on the other hand, scored 47 runs in three innings with the best score of 41, which came in Pakistan's seven-wicket defeat in the third fixture.

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