Pakistan former captain Yousuf quits as selector ahead of England series

Former captain Mohammad Yousuf quit as a Pakistan selector "for personal reasons" on Sunday, just a week before the team begin a home Test series against England.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed his resignation, adding that Yousuf had stepped aside to concentrate on other responsibilities within the board.

"Serving this incredible team has been a profound privilege, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth and success of Pakistan Cricket," he wrote on social media platform X.

"I have immense faith in the talent and spirit of our players, and wish our team all the best as they continue to strive for greatness," said Yousuf, who played 90 Tests for Pakistan and has also served the team as batting coach.

Pakistan face England in a three Tests starting on Oct.7 in Multan after being stunned by Bangladesh 2-0 at home this month.

The country's cricket has been in turmoil off the field, with coaches sacked and selectors resigning after a string of recent losses.

Yousuf was named to the selection panel earlier this year, but Pakistan had little success, making an early exit from the T20 World Cup where it lost group matches against arch-rival India and co-host United States. Bangladesh also registered a historic 2-0 win when it swept Pakistan in the two-Test series.

Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board said that Yousuf had voluntarily stepped down from his role as a member of the national selection committee to focus on other key responsibilities within the PCB.

"The PCB expresses its sincere gratitude to Mohammad Yousuf for his invaluable contributions during his tenure as a selection committee member,” the PCB said in a statement.

"Yousuf will continue to play a pivotal role at the PCB, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience as the batting coach at the high performance centre.”

Agence France-Presse / AP