Banned batsman Mohammad Yousuf on Friday said the attitude of Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik towards him and the shabby treatment by the cricket board and national selectors had compelled him to join the 'rebel' Indian Cricket League (ICL).
"I was compelled to join the ICL because of the behaviour of the board officials, the selectors and captain Shoaib Malik," Yousuf told 'Geo News' channel from India.
Yousuf was named in Pakistan's squad for the series in Abu Dhabi from November 12 but flew off to India without informing the cricket board and rejoined the ICL. As a result he was banned by the PCB from playing for or in Pakistan.
"For the last one and half years I have been under great mental stress and torture because I have been given no respect in the team," Yousuf said.
He said the impression that he had joined the ICL because he was greedy for money was completely wrong.
"That is not the case at all because if I had just wanted money I was getting this even without playing in any league."
Yousuf said for him playing for Pakistan had always been his dream and priority. "Even today I am available for my country but it is upto the board to decide they want me to play or not. But now I am committed to play for the ICL as well," he added.
{{/usCountry}}Yousuf said for him playing for Pakistan had always been his dream and priority. "Even today I am available for my country but it is upto the board to decide they want me to play or not. But now I am committed to play for the ICL as well," he added.
{{/usCountry}}It is no secret that Yousuf has not got along well with Malik since the latter was made captain last year after the World Cup.
Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has also said that senior players had complained to him about Malik and has advised the current skipper to change his attitude and improve his communication skills with players.