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Mohammed Yousuf – Dignified or Stubborn?
By Tabrez Janjua for Stani Army in Pakistan Cricket
146 ViewsI was wondering what to make of Mohammed Yousuf’s decision to turn down the recent request by Shahid Afridi to come out of retirement. Was he being dignified and standing up for what is right or was he just sulking and being stubborn? Of the players that were recently punished, Yousuf was the only one not to file his appeal against his ban. With many fans rightly requesting the PCB administration to go along with the punished players, it seems Yousuf felt his appeal would have been futile.
In my opinion, I think Yousuf is showing that he has truly been hurt and feels he has been wronged by what I felt was a harsh punishment given out to him after the disastrous tour of Australia where he had to step in as captain because there was no other option. The other punished players, in which I will not include Younis Khan, have filed their appeals and look to jump at the chance to get back into the international side and begin where they left off, at their trouble-making best.
Even though Yousuf declined Afridi’s request, I think it was a good move on Afridi’s part as this kind of inclusive and embracing attitude has been rare in Pakistan’s recent past. Afridi’s detractors would argue that he is just looking after his own back as having one of the world’s best batsmen in your line-up can only help your record as captain, but I think that’s a bit harsh. I think Afridi knows that of all the players that were banned or fined, Yousuf was one of the ones unfortunately caught in the net.
For the team, Yousuf’s absence means we will still have quite a hole in the middle order even though it does look like Younis Khan and, amazingly, Shoaib Malik will be returning for the games in England. It also means that we will be missing the kind of knock we witnessed from Yousuf when he scored 202 in the first innings at Lords in 2006. It was an innings to behold.
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May 31st, 2010 at 6:30 pm
Mo Yo wanted to ask permission from his ‘elders’ before responding in the negative to Afridi. This just shows that he puts his own narrow self interest before serving the country.
I think its time he gave up playing cricket and joined the tablighi jamaat which is what he really wants to do.
No one from the PCB will come begging at his door asking him to reverse his decision. Hi ‘elders’ have too much influence over him, bet he needs to ask for permission to use the toilet too.
Time for Mo Yo and Pakistan cricket to move on, and lets hope its the last time we see that god awful beard in the pakistan colours again.
May 31st, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Rizwan
I know many people, some in the PCB and even the team, take issue with anyone with a beard, but I hope you are not one of them.
I think you are being unfair on Yousuf at the benefit of the PCB. I’m sure Yousuf sees the difference between serving the country and working for the cow-boys that currently are the PCB.
Let me put is this way; if there was a change in administration at the PCB, do you think Yousuf would return?
As for his elders; I know he may be receiving advice which is more religion-centred so it would obviously mean that they will ask him not to return to the international team. Yousuf needs to take advice from others too as playing for Pakistan is not just about having fun but is a means of earning a living, something which his religious elders probably did not consider.
May 31st, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Guess I may have been a little harsh with regards to his beard!! Then again maybe not!
I do think he is past his best as a professional cricketer, hopefully another promising youngster will now get an opportunity who otherwise may not have done.
Its best for MoYo to join the growing list of ‘ex cricketer’ evangelical’s to spread the good news! Leave the team with cricketers who really want to play and do well for their country unconditionally!
June 1st, 2010 at 12:05 am
Rizwan
Having trouble growing one are we?
One thing that we may agree on is the continuing influence of Inzamam on Yousuf and many others in the current team. I do love Inzi the big bear but he should stop with the ‘advice’. Even if he is approached by current players, he should simply give a reply that will benefit the country in the long term rather than create factionism in the squad. That would be the true wise answer.
And your last line: “Leave the team with cricketers who really want to play and do well for their country unconditionally!”….when did Pakistan ever have any of those?!
I think that’d be more apt a description of Pakistan cricket fans rather than Pakistan cricketers.
June 6th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Rizwan
I don’t know what your religion is but I am guessing from your name you are a muslim. If so, you should not be making such remarks against something Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prescribed. If you do not like something of the religion, keep quiet. If you cannot keep quiet, go to a blog which subscribes to your thinking. There are plenty about.
June 6th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
@Essex Fan –
Ok I get it, a tongue in cheek comment about an unkempt beard becomes tantamount to blaspemy – this blog must be for specifc (mention no names) ”muslims” to comment only, maybe you should mention that on the homepage!!
My comments made no mention of religion, but your knee jerk reaction reflects and mirrors the problem with Pakistan cricket these last few years where invoking the almighty before and after each game has become the norm.
I especially enjoyed it a few years back when Danish Kaneria thanked ”Bhagvan” after a man of the match performance, so as not to feel left out with the rest for the team!
Awaiting your next ‘Fatwa’ – Essex bad boy!!