KARACHI, Nov 6: Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has criticised experienced batsman Mohammad Yousuf for joining the unofficial Indian Cricket League Twenty20 competition.

Yousuf, 34, has been banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board. He averaged an impressive 55.49 in 79 Tests and 43.18 in 269 One-day Internationals.

“Yousuf has been the backbone of the middle-order batting but since he is no longer eligible to play for Pakistan, we must look ahead and groom a replacement,” Intikhab told reporters.

“Yousuf’s decision is not only ill-timed but unfortunate as well. I am positive we can overcome his loss as we have the talent to find a suitable replacement in time,” he added.

The PCB has also threatened to take Yousuf to court if he does not pay back the money it invested in him to keep him from joining the ICL in 2007.—Reuters