February 24, 2008	Sunday	Safar 16, 1429

KARACHI, Feb 23: Senior Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf is “disappointed” at not being part of the Indian Premier League players’ auction and holds the PCB and BCCI responsible for missing out on a lucrative deal.

“I am disappointed that I was not part of the bidding process because I was assured that the boards would take care of everything. So I left it up to them to handle this issue.”

“I just want this matter to be settled quickly and get on with my life,” Yousuf said.

Yousuf was prevented from taking part in the bidding process by a restraining order obtained by the rebel Indian Cricket League from an arbitration panel headed by a retired judge of the Indian Supreme Court.

The ICL claims Yousuf breached a contract with them.

Yousuf, who reportedly got a signing amount from the ICL before he was convinced by the PCB to back out of the contract, said the PCB and BCCI had assured that there would be no problems in playing for the IPL.

“Both the boards told me they will take care of my case if the ICL raises any objection. I am waiting to see what happens. I was under the impression that the restraining order had been removed at the last hearing by the arbitration panel,” the veteran batsman said.

—Agencies