Religious Yousuf loses contract with Leicestershire

 Pakistan's discarded batsman Muhammad Yousuf's refusal to play during the month of Ramazan has cost him a contract with English county Leicestershire for the coming season.

Close friends of the former Pakistan captain confirmed that Yousuf couldn't reach an agreement with Leicestershire after he kept the condition that he would not be available for them during month of Ramazan.

"Yes, Leicestershire were very keen to sign him on for the English season but Yousuf has decided that he will not play any cricket in Ramazan," a friend said.

"He put forth this condition to the Leicestershire county officials which they said was not feasible for them as it would mean Yousuf missing four important matches at a crucial time of the season," he added.

Yousuf, who has been out of favour with the national selectors since he last played for Pakistan against South Africa in the UAE in November, 2010, has also stopped playing domestic cricket.

A national selector said that by all intent and purpose it appeared Yousuf had given up hope of making a comeback to the Pakistan team.

"If he is not playing how can he be considered for selection," the selector said.
The 37-year-old last played competitive cricket for English county Warwickshire and the Lahore Lions in the super eight T20 tournament in May and June last year. Since than he has focused more on his religious obligations and events.

One of Pakistan's top players with 90 Test and 288 ODIs, Yousuf fell out with the selectors over fitness issues just months after he had captained Pakistan in New Zealand and Australia.