Ex Pak greats horrified over PCB's 'vindictive' stance that led to Younis' 'retirement'

Lahore, Mar.31 (ANI): Former Pakistani cricketers have blasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for ill-treating prolific middle order batsman Mohammed Yousuf, who had announced his retirement from international cricket in protest against the indefinite ban imposed on him by the board.

Former fast bowler and the current team coach Waqar Younis has asked Yousuf to reconsider his decision of bidding adieu to international cricket, and said the middle-order batsman still has a lot to offer.

"Yousuf still has a lot of cricket left in him and he should review his decision for the sake of Pakistan cricket," The Nation quoted Waqar, as saying.

Yousuf had announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, saying he is hurt by the treatment meted out by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which had imposed an indefinite ban on him following the winless tour Down Under.

However, Yousuf has kept the doors for a comeback ajar, as he had said that he is retiring from the game ' for the time being'.

Former captain Zaheer Abbas also rued Yousuf's decision, saying Pakistan cricket would badly miss the services of the ace batsman.

Abbas said echoed Waqar's statement, saying Yousuf still remains one of Pakistan's best batsmen.

"Yousuf is a world-class batsman and can still play Tests for Pakistan.Everyone knows the reason behind his decision, so he should decide on his future and we must respect that," Abbas said.

Yousuf's former teammate, Inzamam-ul-Haq criticised the PCB for ill-treating a senior player like Yousuf.

"You don't treat senior players like this, there is total confusion and contradiction in the charges made against Yousuf by the inquiry committee. I think Yousuf is hurt and will not change his decision," Inzamam said.

Another former skipper Rameez Raja described Yousuf's decision to hang his boots as a 'bitter end to a glorious career.'

"For the last six months controversies have followed him and forced him to take this decision," Raja said. (ANI)