Yousuf hints at comeback, says decision to come out of retirement rests with him

Islamabad, Jun.2 (ANI): Former Pakistan Test captain Mohammed Yousuf seems to be confused over his future plans, as he has now backtracked from his earlier statement, saying it is up to him to decide whether he will come out of retirement or not.

Yousuf had earlier said that any decision regarding him taking back his retirement would be taken by his 'elders' only.

"My elders have said to me that my cricketing future is not a decision they can make on my behalf. It is a decision that I need to make myself," Yousuf told PakPassion.net.

Yousuf, who retired from all forms of cricket in protest against the indefinite ban imposed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the disastrous and controversial Australia tour, hinted that he may return to international cricket during the planned series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October.

"I am not sure when I will be ready for international cricket. The South Africa series is a possibility and I won't rule myself out of that series, but of course things are not always that simple. I need to have a long and hard think about things and then come to a decision," Yousuf said.

Yousuf once again criticised the PCB for its 'harsh' decision of slapping an indefinite ban and a fine of two million rupees on him, but said he has no regrets regarding not appealing against the punishment, like his teammates who were also punished following a report of the PCB inquiry committee set up to look into the reasons behind the winless tour Down Under.

"I have done nothing wrong, I still don't know why I am being punished like this," Yousuf said. (ANI)