Yousuf ready to lead Pakistan if asked

Lahore, Apr 14 (UNI) Pakistan's most dependable middle-order batsman Mohammad Yousuf has expressed his interest in taking up the captaincy of a disgruntled national team if offered the post.

His statement came a day after star batsman Younis Khan rejected the offer to take up the reigns of the national team.

''Though the PCB made no offer to me, I feel no problem in leading the (Pakistan) team,'' Yousuf told Dawn.

Highlighting his credentials for the pressure cooker job, he said, ''I don't see any kind of pressure in captaining the team, and I deserve to take the post as I have been the main run scorer, both in Test and one-day cricket for the last year.'' he added.

''I always feel honour in representing Pakistan and I feel pleasure to lead the team at this crucial time,'' Yousuf added.

The 32-year-old right-handed batsman, whose name appeared in the Wisden Cricketer of the Year list for his commandable batting powress last session, has however, refused to comment on his colleague Younis Khan's rejection to the offer.

''This is his (Younis) decision and I don't want to speak on his statement,'' Yousuf said.

UNI