Despite signing up with the rebel Indian Cricket League, Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has asserted that playing for his country continues to be his top priority.
"No one can question my commitment to Pakistan. I know I can continue to contribute another few years. But I will return to Lahore on September 20 and than decide on my future course of action," he said on Wednesday.
Yousuf sent shock waves when, last month, he refused sign the central contracts offered by the Pakistan Cricket Board and instead opted to join the rebel ICL.
He felt the ICL could co-exist with the official cricket tournaments but refused to comment on why he decided to join the rebel league when he still remained one of the certain selections in the national team.
Sources say the PCB offered him a very high bonus amount to convince him to leave the ICL and play for Pakistan.
Yousuf last year broke several records while scoring 1,788 runs in 11 Tests, inclusive of nine hundreds, a feat that won him the ICC Test batsman of the year award in Johannesburg.
Yousuf, who is on a religious tour with a preaching congregation in the Northern areas of Pakistan, said he felt honoured to get the award.
"I am honored to get this award because it is the first time a Pakistani has won it. It makes me proud," he said.
He, however, said he could not have won the award without the support and help of his teammates and management.
"Cricket is a team game and even individual achievements are not possible without support of your mates," he added.
