Yousuf pulls out, says selectors knew it

After his last-minutes pull-out from the first Test against South Africa triggered widespread speculation...

After his last-minutes pull-out from the first Test against South Africa triggered widespread speculation, Mohammad Yousuf claimed he had informed the selectors beforehand about his non-availability for the matchand that they never asked him about his form or fitness before including him in the Test squad.

Yousuf’s pull-out on the morning of the match today led to speculation that his decision might have been influenced by his move to drop a contract with the rebel Indian Cricket League.

Shoaib charged on five counts of indisclipline

Karachi: The Pakistan Cricket Board has charged Shoaib Akhtar with five counts of indiscipline, including the one involving his brawl with teammate Mohammad Asif, which may lead to a six-month ban on the mercurial pacer.

A PCB official said the five charges also include violating a probation period of six weeks, going to England to play a charity match without board’s permission, making accusations against teammate Shahid Afridi and addressing an unauthorised press conference after being sent home from South Africa.