PCB chief advises Yousuf to choose ''national cause'' to ICL

Lahore, Aug 31 (UNI) Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Naseem Ashraf has asked dependable batsman Mohammad Yousuf to reconsider his ICL intentions, saying national duty will shower more fame, respect and money than what the 'rebel' league has to offer.

''I'm sure that if Yousuf is far sighted he will not go for the ICL. If he remained committed to the national cause, Yousuf will certainly get much more fame, respect and wealth than the ICL will ever give to him,'' said Ashraf.

''Pakistan has given Yousuf so much fame, money and respect and it will continue to give him more, there shouldn't be any doubt about it,'' he said.

Thirtythree-year-old Yousuf, who is regarded as Pakistan's most dependable middle-order batsman and a consistent performer, is being touted as one of the biggest catches of the breakaway league.

However, the PCB chief was of the view that if Yousuf eventually plays for the 'rebel' league it would be a big loss for the national team as he has still lots to offer to Pakistan cricket.

''I believe Yousuf has more records to break and Pakistan will always reward him like a hero,'' Ashraf told 'The News'.

Terming the ICL as a ''complete non-starter'', he said the multi-million dollar league has no future.

''As far as I'm concerned the ICL is a complete non-starter. In spite of all the hype and publicity they haven't managed to get any big stars apart from Yousuf. That shows the kind of future the league has.'' Ashraf said he would also try to persuade the discarded opener Imran Farhat to stay away from the private league.

''Apart from Yousuf, Imran Farhat is the only other player about whom we know for sure that they have signed up with the league. I will talk to Imran too because he has a future with Pakistan,'' he added.

UNI