Yousuf paves way for Pakistan return

Mohammad Yousuf, the Pakistan batsman, has severed ties with the Indian Cricket League (ICL), and could now return to international duty. Yousuf joined the ICL last year and was promptly banned from international as well as domestic cricket. But in a decision in keeping with the other boards, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced an amnesty for players with links to the ICL, allowing them to return to mainstream cricket if they cut ties with the league, which is unauthorised by the International Cricket Council, before May 31. Last week, Yousuf, who had met with PCB chairman Ijaz Butt, said he had cut ties with the ICL, but the PCB demanded proof. "I have submitted a no-objection certificate from the ICL and it's now up to the PCB to clear my way to play international cricket," Yousuf said. "I am keen to play for my country again and am awaiting the PCB's reply." The PCB's director of human resources Wasim Bari confirmed receipt of the letter, but said a decision would be taken by the chairman Ijaz Butt. Butt indicated Yousuf could be fast-tracked into the Test team for the series against Sri Lanka in July, but also indicated the board would levy financial penalties on players who had joined the ICL. "The PCB chairman will take a final decision on this," said Bari. * PA Sport