KARACHI, March 13: Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has refused to be photographed for a special World Cup campaign launched by a major sponsor of the team and the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The cellular company Mobilink is running a big campaign with members of the Pakistan team for the World Cup with Yousuf conspicuous by his absence.

A spokesman for the company which has a contract with the board and players said Yousuf had declined to be photographed.

“We photographed the entire team but Mohammad Yousuf requested not to be photographed for his personal reasons,” Omar Manzoor said.

“It is a personal decision of Yousuf and we can't interfere in someone's religious beliefs,” said Saleem Altaf, PCB director, cricket operations.—Reuters