Discarded Pak batsman Mohd Yousuf eyes coaching future

Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has said he hopes to serve the country in a coaching role as he distances himself as an active cricketer.

Yousuf, 38, who is out-of-favour for the national team since the UAE series against South Africa in 2010, made efforts to revive his international career but they bore no fruit. Last year in April, Yousuf, who has scored 7,530 Test and 9,720 ODI runs for Pakistan, attended the training sessions at the National Cricket Academy soon after Dav Whatmore's appointment but failed to convince the team management.

The former captain was also refused permission to play domestic tournaments by the board due to a late entry in this year's season, reports The Express Tribune.

There was strong speculation suggesting that Yousuf had announced retirement from cricket but the veteran clarified it was not true.

Yousuf also said he had no harsh feelings towards the Pakistan Cricket Board or the selectors, who discarded him despite his illustrious performances.

However, Yousuf said he will not completely dissociate himself from cricket. He said he would happily pass on his experience to the youngsters if required, adding that he would be available for national coaching duty "anytime".

He said he might be taking coaching courses in the future, which has become a prerequisite for the job nowadays.