May 22, 2008	Thursday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 16, 1429

LAHORE, May 21: Prolific batsman Younis Khan has become the fourth Pakistani cricketer to sign for the Australian premier domestic event of the Sheffield Shield next year after Majid Khan, Imran Khan and Sadiq Mohammad.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf on Wednesday said that Younis would play for Western Australia. “The PCB is always glad to grant permission to any player who is getting a chance to play at any high-level competition abroad as it would help him hone his skills further,” said the PCB chairman.

The chairman was replying to a question about Mohammad Yousuf feeling disappointed over not playing in the IPL due to litigation with the breakaway Indian Cricket League (ICL).

When asked about it, Yousuf said that the PCB chairman did not want to meet him to discuss the issue. When confronted, a smiling Dr Ashraf quickly parried the question and said that the middle-order batsman was still committed to his game and showed an improved performance in the home series against Bangladesh. “Yousuf is now all set to play for Lancashire County which shows his commitment to the game.”

When asked whether the PCB had made a mistake in allowing ace bowler Mohammad Asif, who received a hand injury recently, to play in the IPL, the chairman said it was far more important for the bowler to play in the league. “I believe it was not a mistake to allow Asif to play in the IPL as he has gained more experience through it. Secondly, the bowler’s old elbow injury has not resurfaced and he has received a hand injury only.”

The chairman further said that a six-member women executive committee had also been formed to run the affairs of the women’s wing. Mrs Shireen Javed and Mrs Sharmeen were already there in the committee and the name of the women’s wing chairperson would soon be announced.