PCB dangling incentives to get Yousuf back

Lahore, Aug 26 (UNI) In a volte face, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started the rescue mission to bring back ace batsman Mohammed Yousuf from the rebel ICL fold by offering huge financial incentives.

The News quoted sources in the PCB saying ''All the indications are there that Lawson and the Board might have a discussion with him about his decision and some financial incentives might be given to induce him back into official cricket.'' The PCB has earlier said that it will not consider players who will join ICL for selection in the national team.

Four Pakistani cricketers Mohammed Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq and Imran Farhat had recently gone over to the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Some former players have suggested that the Board should allow players to play for both the ICL and the national team.

''It is not so easy because even if the PCB adopts such a policy it can't do it alone. Because this would have an effect on the policies of the Indian board and others.

Things have got complicated with the ICL now going to court against the Indian board and its policies,'' source said.

Pakistan manager Talat Ali has admitted that discussions were on to chalk out a strategy to convince Yousuf and bring him to the team.

Pakistan's newly-appointed coach Geoff Lawson has already made a move by requesting Mohammad Yousuf to reconsider his decision to join the rebel League.

UNI