KARACHI, May 29: Pakistan’s senior batsman Yousuf Youhana will be unavailable for the second Test against the West Indies in Kingston from June 3. Youhana returned home from the West Indies on Saturday to attend to his ailing father after skipping the first Test in Barbados where Pakistan lost by 276 runs inside four days.

“I don’t have enough time to make it back to Jamaica for the second Test. Unfortunately I will also miss that match,” Youhana said on Sunday.

The 30-year-old is Pakistan’s second most senior batsman after captain Inzamamul Haq, having made 59 Test and 199 One-day International appearances.

Pakistan severely felt the absence of Inzamam and Youhana in Barbados where they were bowled out for 144 in the first innings and 296 in their second after being asked to chase 573 for victory.

“I am disappointed at having to miss the Test series in the West Indies. But my father was very ill and I want to be close to him at this time. I don’t think I would have been able to concentrate on my cricket,” Youhana said.

Inzamam missed the first Test because he was serving a one Test ban for excessive appealing in the final Test of the tour to India at Bangalore last month.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan puzzle
Updated 28 May, 2024

Afghan puzzle

Unless these elements are neutralised, it will not be possible to have the upper hand over terrorist groups.
Attacking minorities
28 May, 2024

Attacking minorities

WHILE Pakistan has watched many perish in the cauldron of sacrilege, the state has done little to turn down the...
Persistent scourge
28 May, 2024

Persistent scourge

THE challenge of polio in Pakistan has reached a new nadir, drawing grave concerns from the Technical Advisory Group...
Mercury rising
Updated 27 May, 2024

Mercury rising

Each of the country's leaders is equally responsible for the deep pit Pakistan seems to have fallen into.
Antibiotic overuse
27 May, 2024

Antibiotic overuse

ANTIMICROBIAL resistance is an escalating crisis claiming some 700,000 lives annually in Pakistan. It is the third...
World Cup team
27 May, 2024

World Cup team

PAKISTAN waited until the very end to name their T20 World Cup squad. Even then, there was last-minute drama. Four...