Muhammad Yousuf, the head selector for Pakistan’s men’s team, has resigned from his role, he has revealed. Yousuf announced his resignation on social media, citing personal circumstances. In his brief public statement on social media, the former cricket player also thanked Pakistan Cricket for its service and wished the team better times ahead.
“I announce that, for personal reasons, I am resigning from my position as a selector for the Pakistan cricket team. Yousuf said on X (previously known as Twitter):
“I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan Cricket. Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege.”
The former Pakistan international continued, “I wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness. I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players.”
I announce my resignation as a selector for the Pakistan cricket team due to personal reasons. Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan Cricket.
I have immense faith in the talent and…— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) September 29, 2024
Yousuf began his tenure as a non-player for Pakistan when the PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) hired him in the role of batting coach ahead of the multi-format home series against Australia. Yousuf averaged an amazing 52.29 in the 156 Test innings he appeared for the national team.
His last assignment before resigning was to narrow down the squad to 15 players for the forthcoming three-match Test series against England.
Before the T20 World Cup in 2024, Yousuf supervised a lackluster performance from the side as Pakistan lost a game against Ireland, tied with New Zealand in the five-match T20I series, and lost the series against England. They also experienced an unexpectedly strange setback in the global event when they were eliminated in the group stages. To make matters worse, they went on to lose their next home Test match against Bangladesh, extending their winless run to ten Tests.
England will be tough to beat for Pakistan in the next three Test matches.
In the meantime, the three-match Test series between Pakistan and the visiting English is set to begin on October 7.
In his five Test matches as Pakistan’s captain thus far, cricketer Shan Masood has failed to win any of them. But the PCB has supported him by giving him the opportunity to captain the team once more.
Also Read: PCB requests ICC to finalize schedule for Champions Trophy 2025
Seeing him and his side in action throughout the series will be interesting to see, as will whether or not they can deliver any bite to their performances.