Yousuf shows intent to play in Twenty20 WC

Lahore, July 16 (UNI) The awe-inspiring Pakistan middle-order batsman Mohammad Yousuf has shown his inclination to play the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa this September.

''Whether it is a Test, a One-day International or a Twenty20, I am always ready and proud to represent my country at the top level,'' Yousuf said.

''As a professional you are supposed to perform at every level of the game. I have never had a pick and choose policy when it comes to play for my country,'' the 32-year-old added.

Yousuf along with his other 'Y' compeer Younis Khan is named in the initial 30-man squad, but their making the cut to the playing 11 is a subject of speculation.

A hypothesis is gaining ground, following the withdrawal of the India's 'big three' Sachin, Sourav and Dravid from the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup, that the nascent version of the game is suited to young bloods of the team.

But the nimble-footed player rejected the so called hypothesis.

''I want to play every form of the game. Test cricket is the real challenge for a player, but you can't deny that twenty overs game is gaining popularity,'' Yousuf was quoted by 'The News'.

UNI