da wazamba： Pakistan are putting a cheerier spin on the loss of Mohammad Yousuf fromtheir middle order ahead of a much-awaited ODI series against the WestIndies in Abu Dhabi next week
da supremo： Cricinfo staff07-Nov-2008
Shoaib Malik: “I never felt Yousuf was upset over anything. In the Pentangular matches for Punjab everything was normal. He missed the last game, I was told, because his wife was ill” © AFP
Pakistan are putting a cheerier spin on the loss of Mohammad Yousuf fromtheir middle order ahead of a much-awaited ODI series against the WestIndies in Abu Dhabi next week.Yousuf, one of Pakistan’s most productive ODI batsman in recent years, wasselected in the 15-man squad, but within hours of the inclusion, itemerged that he had signed with the unauthorised ICL. As per board policy, he has now been banned from representing Pakistan.But Intikhab Alam, Pakistan’s new coach, believes the absence had to belooked at positively. “I don’t think any cricketer is bigger than thegame. I feel very sad about his decision but good luck to him.”But whoever takes his place it is an opportunity for him. Amit Mishracame in because Anil Kumble got injured so this is how cricket is. Ourbench strength we are looking to build so it shouldn’t be a problem. Maybewe won’t miss him as much in ODIs as we will do in Tests.”Yousuf criticised captain Shoaib Malik and the team management for notgiving him enough respect, as explanation for his decision to join theICL. But both captain and coach played down the barbs, claiming they hadno sense of what was about to happen.”He went without telling anyone which wasn’t right,” Intikhab said. “Ididn’t get a chance to speak to him as far as his comments criticising themanagement go. If he had come to me I would have spoken to him.”Malik, who has suffered persistent reports through his tenure ofsenior-player dissatisfaction, also questioned Yousuf’s contentions,claiming there was no “communications gap” with senior players in theteam. “I don’t agree with his criticism. There was no communication gap -I have played with senior players like Inzamam and Yousuf my whole career.All senior players have been supportive. I have learnt a lot from them.”I never felt Yousuf was upset over anything. In the Pentangular matchesfor Punjab everything was normal. He missed the last game, I was told,because his wife was ill.”Yousuf’s place in the squad has been taken by the prolific young Karachibatsman, Khalid Latif. It is expected, however, that Fawad Alam, the youngallrounder, will take Yousuf’s place in the matches initially.Pakistan travel to Abu Dhabi on Sunday and the first ODI is scheduled forNovember 12.
