Lahore, June 1: Unfazed by the selectors snub for the tour of Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s former captain Muhammad Yousuf said he is physically and mentally prepared for a comeback to international cricket even at the shortest notice.
The 37-year-old veteran, who was overlooked when the national squad for the Sri Lanka tour was announced, insisted that his passion to play for Pakistan had not receded despite the disappointment of not being selected in the last one and a half year.
“Physically, I’m in good shape and mentally also I’m in great shape. I’m ready, able and willing to play for Pakistan any time the selectors want to call on me,” Yousuf told a website.
“The desire to play for Pakistan has never receded and recently in Lahore I gave a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy which I passed with flying colours. I’m confident that if I am given another opportunity by the selectors I would not let them down,” he added.
Yousuf, who is in the United Kingdom on a private visit and is also playing for the Lashings World XI, said he was willing to compete in the coming domestic season to prove his fitness and form to the selectors.
“This time around I will be playing domestic cricket. My plans are to feature in all of the tournaments in Pakistan, the Qaid-e-Azam Trophy, the National One-Day Cup and any Twenty20 tournaments that are organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board,” he said.
“Playing in these competitions is going to be essential to my hopeful return to the Pakistan team and playing in these tournaments is in my plans,” he said.
Yousuf has scored a total of 17,000 international runs with a total of 39 centuries and averages 52 in Tests.

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