Lahore, November 5:

Pakistan have banned Mohammad Yousuf from playing national and international cricket after he agreed to join the unrecognised Indian Cricket League (ICL), an official said today.

Yousuf had been set to stage a comeback for Pakistan in next week’s three matches against the West Indies in

Abu Dhabi after missing a Twenty20 event in Canada last month because of visa problems. His name featured in the 15-man squad announced on Monday, but shortly afterwards it was revealed that he had signed for the ICL and was removed from the list.

“Yousuf will remain banned from playing any type of cricket in Pakistan as he has joined the unrecognised Indian Cricket League (ICL),” said Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director of operations Zakir Khan. The ICL today confirmed that Yousuf had joined and would make his debut for the Lahore Badshahs on November 7. “Yousuf’s central contract has been terminated,” said Khan.