Yousuf pulls out of Champions Trophy, Hafeez likely replacement...

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How can Hafeez replace Yousuf? The PCB & selectors have gone mad. I think Naumanullah should get the nod to replace Yousuf for CT.

Yousuf pulls out of Champions Trophy

Cricinfo staff

July 14, 2008

Mohammad Yousuf doesn’t want to play during the holy month of Ramadan © AFP

Mohammad Yousuf has made himself unavailable for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign in September, thus further depleting Pakistan’s 30-man list of probables for the tournament.

The announcement of the squad has already been delayed twice so far, initially because of disagreement between the board and selectors over some names on the list, as well as uncertainty over Shoaib Akhtar’s eligibility.

The names were supposed to be made public today, but the revelation that Mohammad Asif, one of the names in the squad, was the player who tested positive in a dope test at the IPL, meant another delay. The names will, the board now says, be announced tomorrow.

But Yousuf will not be among them. Cricinfo has learnt that Yousuf will be unavailable because the tournament will be played during the month of Ramadan. “Yousuf has asked to be excused from the Champions Trophy as it will be held during Ramadan and he does not want to be playing during that month,” a source close to the selection committee told Cricinfo. “We have respected that decision and not picked him in the squad.”

Though Yousuf had made the request to the board a while back, final confirmation only came today. Mohammad Hafeez is likely to take his place in the list of probables. His decision will come as a blow to a squad already likely to be missing Asif. Uncertainty remains over the inclusion in the final 15 of Shoaib, and possibly Umar Gul as well, who is yet to recover from an injury sustained during the Asia Cup.

Yousuf has been Pakistan’s middle-order rock over the last 12 months, scoring over 1100 runs at an average of nearly 70, with three 100s and eight 50s. And he hasn’t just milked minnows such as Bangladesh or Zimbabwe; in 14 matches against India and South Africa, he averages over 60, with six fifties and a hundred.

As Yousuf Youhana, he was one of the few Christians to have played for Pakistan and the only one to have captained the side. But he publicly announced his conversion to Islam in September 2005 and has since been a devout, practicing Muslim. Ramadan is among the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, where Muslims are expected to fast between sunrise and sunset. Pakistan players have on occasion played while fasting in the past and it is popularly thought that some were fasting during the 1992 World Cup.

© Cricinfo

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There is no way Mohammad Hafeez is going to take a place now and prove anything. I thought the newest pair of Butt and Malik will be sustained with, throughout. No changes are expected in the opening pair. Since the fast bowling squad is depleted, include a possible replacement who is a bowler rather than a all-rounder (more batsman).

Side note: If the entire team will fast during the month of Ramadan, one individual chose to remain on the sidelines for one month for the sole reason of fasting and not choosing to take his part with everyone who will be on the same boat as him. The team has taken part in physical activities during this time in the past and have obliged to stand in silence during Azaan. Was not expecting someone to pull out because of this. Why are we even having a tournament in this month then? Have one senior sit out while others play?

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The more important point to raise is why are we even having this tournament in Ramadan. PCB & Bangladeshi CB together should have raised concerns about their teams being at the competitive disadvantage due to observing their faith in the holy month & to have it rescheduled. On top of that, they are having it in Pakistan, where all the followers will be fasting and instead of reading more Quran will be glued to their TVs.

What Yousuf did, is personal. Any team member can elect to keep them self out of the team due to whatever reasons...personal or not. As long as they dont replace Yousuf in with playing 11 with Hafeez, Bazid Khan or Faisal Iqbal, I wouldnt mind. I would like to see Naumanullah but thats highly unlikely. They might play Kamran Akmal as a batsmen. Weirder things have happened with PCB or they might play the same top 6 as the last match in Asia Cup & bring in Afridi to replace Yousuf. Who knows what the think-tank smokes these days.

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Shoaib Malik ke hotay howay Yousuf ki kia fikar :faizy:

j/k :smiley:

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Re: Yousuf pulls out of Champions Trophy, Hafeez likely replacement...

I guess the rest of them aren't Muslims then.

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Re: Yousuf pulls out of Champions Trophy, Hafeez likely replacement...

^ no they are muslims but they have their own reasons to keep playing. What do we have to categorize everyone? This is Yousuf's personal decision.

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Only God knows ..... Its Yousuf's personal choice. If he thinks he can not concentrate on religious affairs due to the tournament, we should respect his choice and leave him alone....

as far as his replacement is concerned, I guess Hafeez will come in...although someone else should be included instead of tried-and-failed ones ..!

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ASA, I respect the decission from Muhammad Yousuf because cricket is just only a sport after all, the month of Ramadan is more important we have to increase aour ibaddaat's as much as possible because Allahs Rehmat comes down on pepole who truley sacrifice their nafas may Allah give me taufeeq for this also and to all ummat also Ameen.

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Re: Yousuf pulls out of Champions Trophy, Hafeez likely replacement…

Hafeez that strokeless wonder! He’s really going to shine. :rolleyes:

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Re: Yousuf pulls out of Champions Trophy, Hafeez likely replacement...

Mohd Yousuf is a RELIGIOUS SHOW-OFF. There I said it.

Why do people become all meek and accepting when somebody cites "religion" as the reason for anything.

For a Muslim convert, Mohd Yousuf tries a bit too hard to win brownie points by public demonstration of his religious trappings.

C'mon man....you don't have to be more Muslim than "a Muslim".

I don't see my Muslim friends taking a month long break from office during Ramadan. Neither is this the first time a cricket series is being played during Ramadan.

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But if I had the option then I would take it :D

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Relax karoo bhai!
I think Yusuf have great gutts to take Ramdan off. It not about showing off. I am amazed the way you have directed this post. If a person wants to devot the blessed month for Ibadah, rather then appreciating it , you are finding issues with it. It is reall y a shame.

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*Hit the nail on the f'ing head Some1. *

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I am trying to to understand your point here.

So do you think Mohammad Yousuf should not have given his real reason for not playing in Champions Trophy and could have come up with another excuse but not Ramadan? Or you think he should not have opted to sit out at all?

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Re: Yousuf pulls out of Champions Trophy, Hafeez likely replacement...

I dont know why hell break loose when someone takes off from work coz he/she wants to dedicate more time to prayers and such while its perfectly fine to take off for other activities such as "fun" during summer?

Some1, your argument "I don't see my Muslim friends taking a month long break from office during Ramadan" does not hold. I don't see rest of the 10 Indian players taking break from cricket except Dhoni? Why is only he exhausted and not other players? BECAUSE each player has their own need and thought process.

Only way Yousuf could have avoid this "RELIGIOUS SHOW-OFF" (as you call it) was to lie to board and people. Is that you want?

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I disagree completely. He is just practising Islam the way he understands it. When he bows in sijdah, he does not show off but is actually thanking Allah (God). What do you mean by more Muslim than "a Muslim"? Yousuf understands the purpose of his existence and that cricket is merely a livelihood (bread winner) for him and not his entire life. Therefore, when Ramadan comes, thats what he wants to dedicate his time for; to become closer to Allah. This is the month of mercy & blessings for Muslims. And in Islam its recommended that when you fast, you shouldnt do activities that will make the fast difficult to bear. So playing 8 hours of cricket in a day while fasting, can be categorized as that which will make you thirsty and hungry.

I wish I could take off the whole month of Ramadan from my work but living in the US, its not possible...and being an employee its not possible either.

Mohammad Yousuf is a true Muslim & I love him & respect him for that.

Time Pass - March 2012
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All I am saying is that there is such a thing as "RELIGIOUS SNOBBERY". *Look I am oh so religious, pious and profound...above you ordinary egoisitic folks....*The religious snobs seek attention and try to impress people with their over-indulgence in religion.

For Saeed Anwar, I could see why he would seek solace in religion/spirituality after the death of his daughter.....but Mohd Yousuf....I get an impression that he plays to the gallery with his religion. That is all.

That said, I wonder if Mohd Yousuf would have asked for a break if he was invited to the IPL during Ramadan.

weak logic my friend....Who else is Wicket-keeper, Batsman and Captain.....plus most of India's "key" performers play in either Tests OR ODIs. Dhoni plays in both plus the Twenty20 (IPL). Its a miracle that he did not ask for rest earlier than he did...in my opinion.

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What I have seen over years is that converts are more practicing Muslims than people who are Muslims by birth including myself!

Although you are right there are "RELIGIOUS SNOBBERS" out there but, its not for you and me to identify and label them, its b/w them and their God.....

Subsequently, I wonder how many of us label Non-Muslims as "RELIGIOUS SNOBBERS" when they kiss the cross after scoring a goal or join hands to thank Bhagwan or guru nanak (or whoever) on some achievement in the games? I fail to understand why sajda is treated differently?

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do you know that during the month of Ramadan a lot of people actually perform Tarawih in mosques at night, roughly around 9 pm in Pakistan and these prayers are pretty long

A lot of people observe Aitikaf where they sit in a mosque and do worship during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Many people travel to Saudi during the last 10 days of Ramadan

These are few of the many religious task muslims perform during Ramadan. If someone is playing a night game, how can he perform these religious tasks?

As far as your query about people not doing it here in US but doing it in Pakistan, it should be pretty understandable.

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I am fully aware. Back in the days in Delhi , I have accompanied Muslim friends to their early morning eats during Ramadan .

But you tell me this :

(1) Have there been any other player who has asked to be excused during Ramadan. This is not the first time , I am sure, Pak is having to play a series during Ramadan.

(2) If I am not mistaken (and I could very well be) -- last year's Twenty20 World Cup was played during Ramadan. If memory serves, Mohd Yousuf was upset over his ommision from the team at that time - so much so that he decided to join the ICL. So what has changed in this year's Ramadan ?