Mohammad Yousuf has met with Pakistan board officials and is confident of a rapid return to test cricket following his resignation from the rebel Indian Cricket League. Yousuf, who was rated as Pakistan's top batsman before he joined the ICL last year, said he had conveyed to the officials that he had broken all ties with the ICL and wanted to be considered for national selection again.
"I am hopeful of making a comeback soon. As the meeting was very positive and I am keen to play my remaining years as an international cricketer for Pakistan," Yousuf told Reuters.
The batsman, who has played 79 tests and 269 one-day internationals, said he was available for the tour of Sri Lanka, where Pakistan play three tests and five one-day internationals from June 27.
The PCB set a May 31st deadline for all Pakistani players who had contracts with the ICL to sever their ties with the league and make themselves available for national selection again.
Salim Altaf, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s chief operating officer, told Reuters a special committee would look into the cases of the ICL players before deciding if they should be penalised before being considered for national selection.
"The ICC has left it up to the home boards to sort out matters with the ICL players. Yousuf is the first one to have resigned from the ICL and conveyed officially he wants to play for Pakistan again," he said.
PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt told reporters that Yousuf remained a valuable player for the Pakistan team.
"He is still a very valuable batsman for us in the test and one-day teams and the board committee will decide soon on his case," Butt said.