Pakistan Cricket: Former player Mohammad Yousuf quits as selector ‘for personal reasons’

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was dealt another blow on Sunday (Sep 29) after former player and current member of the selector’s committee Mohammad Yousuf decided to step down from his role. The decision comes as an unwanted interruption to the preparations of the side as they get ready to face England in a three-match Test series. Yousuf has sighted “personal reasons” to step down from his position as Pakistan gets ready for crunch next few months with the Champions Trophy also on the calendar.

Mohammad Yousuf steps down

“Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan Cricket,” Yousuf wrote on social media platform X.

“I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players, and wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness,” said Yousuf, who played 90 Tests for Pakistan and has also served the team as a batting coach.

Yousuf was a part of a six-man selection committee former revamped in July after Pakistan’s humiliating first-round exit from the Twenty20 World Cup where they lost to the USA.

Pakistan cricket has been in total chaos in the last 11 months having exited the ODI World Cup in the league phase and losing 3-0 to Australia earlier in the year. They also had a disappointing New Zealand tour where question marks were raised on the team management.

In recent months, there have been resignations from captains and selection committee members highlighting the disappointment in the camp.

However, the team’s biggest embarrassment came at the T20 World Cup where they had to pack their bags in the group stage. Pakistan lost to India despite being in the driver’s seat while their defeat to co-hosts USA saw them drop vital points that led to their elimination. After the defeat selection committee chairman Wahab Riaz was sacked leading to turmoil in Pakistan cricket.