From this they took a not inconsiderable leap and concluded - on what basis is still not clear - that Misbah-ul-Haq (ostensibly the replacement) might do the job better than Yousuf has been doing over the last year. Perhaps Misbah's impressive domestic Twenty20 average (just under 50) got him the nod over a man with over 14,000 international runs, 35 international hundreds and just off a patch so purple, popstar Prince would have been jealous.

No? Okay, then try this one: "We are trying out new and fresh names." At 33, Misbah is a few months older than Yousuf, so even if you give him more benefit than doubt (as noted commentator Omar Kureishi used to say of dodgy decisions), his best years are likely already lost to Pakistan. He last played an international for Pakistan nearly three years ago; after averaging 13 from five Tests and 33 from 13 ODIs, there was a reason he was not selected again. In short, he is as fresh as last month's pizza.

Were the selectors really serious about younger legs, a new spirit and all that, then any of Khurram Manzoor, Khalid Latif or Shahid Yousuf - all of whom impressed in spurts during the practice matches - made more sensible replacements. Even if they had not impressed, at least the selectors could have shielded themselves behind the mantra of giving youth its day.

Assurances obviously were given for his future. "This is not the end of his career, let me assure everyone," said Salahuddin. "We haven't treated him with any disrespect by dropping him and he is a great asset to the Pakistan team. It shouldn't be made into an issue of pride, because we haven't dropped him as such,"

True enough, his future in not in any serious doubt. But given that Yousuf was naturally unhappy at his omission - his weak proclamations otherwise notwithstanding - can Pakistan really afford to treat him this shabbily, especially given that Inzamam might no longer be on the scene either soon enough? Is Pakistan really blessed with that much batting talent?

'At his best, Twenty20 cricket is to Abdur Razzaq what water is to fish' © Getty Images

No other decision ruffled as many feathers as this one. Not even, sadly it must be said, the dropping of Abdul Razzaq. At his best, Twenty20 cricket is to Razzaq what water is to fish. A few overs of brisk, constricting and attacking medium-pace and a solid lower-order guarantee of boundaries; as Kamran Abbasi notes in this post Razzaq's decline has meant what was once unthinkable is now reality.

Ultimately, though, in the absence of any solid logic, it is Yousuf's exclusion that bathes in innuendo, reporters winking, nudging and whispering, as no doubt will many followers. Here was further proof, some muttered, that the board was bent on cleansing the team of the religiosity it had been engulfed in.

No, others countered, it was aimed solely at diluting the hold of Inzamam-ul-Haq on this team, thus giving Shoaib Malik a greater chance to mould his own side. Wait a minute, some said, Misbah's was a pressure inclusion, instigated by the board and one not all selectors agreed to. Pakistanis love a conspiracy theory, it was noted once in The Economist. Probably, it concluded, because they have an uncanny way of coming true in Pakistan.

It is absolutely ridiculous that a batsman of Yousuf's calibre has been dropped, i couldn't believe it. I can't understand what the selectors are trying to prove? I think & most of the people would agree that he can get a place in the Australian team but he can not get selected in Pak team? This decision is laughable, unfair & full of mallice

that is not good for m. yousuf the selectors making problam for yousuf . why they give chance to new player they should give the exprience men like m. yousf

The dropping of M. Yousuf is an absolut travesty, just when things look a little more stable for Pakistan Cricket with Coaching issues to one side, once again the Cricket Board decide to treat the pakistani Cricket fans with the utmost disrespect and disregard.

I can go on forever but will suffice to say that I feel so strongly about that I wish I wasn't a Pakistani.

Dropping yousuf is a shame----it is probably religious factor or political influence---Anyways, i wish to drop this selection committee who has already proven themselves mad

No. there is no need to include Mohammad Yousaf in Tewnty20 but, Abdur Razzaq should be included in the squad he is the person who can change the game.

I strongly disagree with this selection. It doesn't even make any sense of dropping both these players. Yousuf is some one who can stay on the wicket and when required, can accelerate the run rate. Razzaq, we all know what he can do. Ok, I agree his bowling is not of the same caliber any more but his batting is some thing that can be used in the middle order. Nothing against Misbah, if he has scored few runs in domestic cricket doesn't give you a garantee that he will score it on international level. I think this is a worst decision made. If they really were looking for some one more dependable, Yasir Hameed was some one that is young and can be used for his spin bowling. Some of these decisions doesn't make any sense.

Dropping Yousuf is a disgrace to his cricketing skills, which happen in Pakistan only. When will the cricketers in Pakistan be selected on merit alone. This is a sad day for Pak cricket. Shame on the cricket board.

look there is obviously some conspiracy because not even the selectors are that dumb to drop one of the best batsmen in the world and one of our best strikers of the ball for a twenty twenty world cup

I believe we are all responsible for Yousaf and Razzaq's exclusion by letting people like Nasim Ashraf stay, who does not know anything about cricket, used his "Americanism" and anti-Islamic rhetoric to get rid of people of this calibre, and still standing tall because of his connections. Just being a doctor does not let you become jack of all traits.

When I first hear in media i thought it was big joke.
Younis Khan playing twenty20 ?? Why not Yousuf.
Why we need to make mess of every thing in Pakistan. I cannot see any logic in selection. I am fed up not just only with Pakistan Cricket

yes, he should have been selected.

Some time we wonder, why the whole world disrespect's us? Well, we can exclude Yousuf from the team, who just recently broke Richard's record.

I don't think Yousuf is a potent force in one-dayers let alone 20-20...In this shorter version I think young legs should be the order of the day but selecting Misbah ul Haq in his place is ridiculous. Shahid Yousuf would have been an option.

Pakistan is a talented team there's no doubt about that. However, the selectors are keen of making it one the worst. M. Yousaf is a "class" player and not including him is unjust not only to him but also to Pakistan.

Hard to believe. If they think he is not a 20/20 kind of player, they are 100 % wrong because any kind of cricket you need someone to stay on wicket like Yousuf.

Mohammad Yousuf should have been included in the team, only justification for his omission could have been the fresh legs and fresh faces being given an opportunity, but sadly our Cricket administrators don't know the meaning of Good Governance and have no vision for the future, they follow the policy of what is best for themselves today and how can they cling on to the power even at the cost of the nation's future and integrity. A really sad story of Pakistan.

Both Razzaq and Yousuf should be included.
Razzaq is a great allrounder as well. Yousuf is great player and he can play in any position

Really Mohammad Yousuf and Razzaq are both diamonds. They should be selected in T20-20. If these guy are absent Pakistan don't have chance to lift the trophy. And if u want to drop, drop Kamran Akmal from the side and don't give chance to Misbah ul Haq, who is such tired guy

Everybody gets a chance misbah Ul Haq has impressed a lot of pakistanice axe players and we want a replacement for inzi, yousuf needs the rest and it is the perfect chance for misbah to take younis khan;s spot as he is just a waste in my eyes. Fingers croseed for misbah i hope he does well but its the twenty twenty game he has to be really agressive and play his best cricket. Pakistan should atleast make the semis or it will be a shame. Lets think ppppppppppoooooooooooositive ppppppppakistanis

I am really surprised by the omission of M.Yousaf and Razzaq. Both of them are really good players of any type of cricket.According to me selectors made a silly decision of omitting them. Whole PCB is overpowered by irrelevant peoples who are not really sincere with their nation.Sorry to say but i am really disappointed with PCB infact whole nation is disappointed.We can only pray for them.Its PCB's policy to ruin Players career. Already we have seen Saeed Anwar, Saqlain Mushataq (who's doing brilliant in county) and Inzimam. So we should be use to of it now. Anyway wish them best of luck and I can pray for them only.

You cannot drop someone as deadly as Razzaq when it comes to 20/20. he is inconsistent but like afridi he can change a game. Yousuf is rated in top ten batsmen in the world, our weakness is batting and with Inzi we need yousuf more than ever. Yousuf is more than capable to score even more than a run a ball! Quality batsmen remain quality.....The selectors have made a big Mistake!

This is ridiculus, A.razzaq is a 20/20 specialist, and m.yousuf is a world class batsman that he proved last year, removing them both is nonsense!

what a shame mohammad yousuf missed out!! he had such a great year in 2006................... shocking!!

mohammad yousuf is a great player and i just can't believe he hasn't been picked to play its just stupid to leave him out of the team and i think it will be hard for the team to win without yousuf

It is not good selection,the selection of M.Yousuf was important otherwise the result of this World Cup will be also like the previous one.

Yosuf should have been in the team. I think the decision to rest or not, should have been with Yosuf rather than the selectors. And they want to provoke him to retire.

another decision of the PCB that further proves, that it cannot function without politics..

Tewnty20 might not suitable to have Mohammad Yousaf, but not having Abdur Razzaq might hunt back Pakistan.

How can someone even ponder this decision, let alone make it a reality. Yousuf does not need a rest because the whole team hasn't played a match in over a month. When has anyone ever seen Younis khan play aggressive cricket. I don't even think he can hit a six. This even beats what the PCB did to Saqlain. Every time they do something terrible, I say they can't top that, but they always put my thought to rest

Mohammad Yousuf is such a talented player, it is ridiculous not to include him over Misbah-ul-Haq. When Pakistan played against South Africa in South Africa recently, he proved in one of the one-day games (when he was batting with Shahid Afridi) that he can thrash any bowling attack by using his wonderful placement to get boundaries. Plus Yousuf is one of the very few players who has been in good form for the Pakistan over last year.

I can go on saying a lot about the selection of the squad for Twenty20. i would love to say that board made a blunder mistake which pakistani cricket used to make such kind of shameful decisions in the past as well. they should not drop Muhammad Yousuf and abdul Razzaq for this kind of cricket. both of them are such a great players for any kind of cricket. Shame on you Pakistan cricket board..... and Plz stop playing with the future of great players in pakistan.

we have lots of very good players but not very many with a lot of experience Yousuf, Razzaq and all other senior players provide that. These new players hardly have any experience on the international stage. in other the two should have been selected!

I reckon Yousuf and Razzaq both should have been in the team.

strange strange...how could u drop Mohammad Yousuf and Razzaq. They are the powerhouses of Pakistani cricket with lot of experience. I know its 20 20 but still u need a player like Yousuf who can accumulate the runs and play till the end and dont forget its South Africa ball will bounce and move. Razzak is much better striker than Afridi with consistent runs at the later stages and a useful bowler too, so according to me PCB should reconsider their decision and hopefully change their opinion.

Changes are needed in the team but axing the best batsman from the team is change for the worse. The batting line up has always been inconsistent, and excluding a person with poise and very good bat can only hurt the team. I hope that the young stars come up with the goods ! Fawad Alam is a good choice, but lack of experience can damage the moral of young stars, especially in the 20-20 format where the game is being played at 100 mph. Need to keep players in form and do away with politics which always hurts the team in big tournaments.

Dropping M.Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq is like dropping the half of the team, with inzamam gone M.Yousuf is Paksitan's best batsman by far. Abdul Razzq is a main player for Paksitan team in any sort of game. Abdul Razzq is a aggressive batsman and in 20 20 you need aggressive batsman saying that does not mean that M.Yousuf should get dropped because some people say that he's a slow batsman fair enough but he's the best Pakistan batsman it's ridiculous from the selectors i think selectors should get sacked so il request for new selectors because if they keep dropping the best players the Pakistan team would end up in crises

I hate Sallu for dropping Yousuf, who says he cant play fast, take a look at his recent innings for Asia XI vs Africa XI, he showed everyone what aggression is. Misbah should be out and Yousuf should be in as he is the only reliable batsman in the whole team, rest are all useless.

very brave & correct decision; most of the time players are needed for fielding; both yousuf & razzaq are terrible in that section; very, very correct decision !

very brave & correct decision ; most of the time players are needed for fielding ; both yousuf & razzaq are terrible in that saction ;; very very correct decision !!!!!!!!!!

ommitting yousuf & razzaq is very correct cecission ; we all approve the team except ommiting HASSAN RAZA and for bowling DANISH KANARIA { DANISH is more effective than REHMAN }

the dropping of both yousef and razzaq is a great shame. It again tells us that the selection comittee do not have a clue on what they are doing. Yousef is currently pakistans best batsmen and razzaq is a world class all rounder and is known for his big hitting. 'big hitting' = 20 20. thats why pakistan have never won anything since 1992. Imran khan was everything to the team then...he was the captain, selector and coach and we won the world cup! will we ever win the world cup again???

This is as silly a decision , as a decision can be ! If players like Younis and Misbah are in the team for Twenty20 ( which in itself is ridiculous enough ), then why on earth is Yousuf not ? Mohammad Yousuf , beyond any shadow of doubt is one of the world's three best batsmen alongwith Ponting and Pietersen (If not the best ! ). As far as Razzaq is concerned , he is somebody who can make into the World Twenty20 eleven with ease , but perhaps is not competent enough in the opinion of our "competent" selection committee and cricket board ! Let me say one thing loud and clear , whatever the outcome of the Twenty20 tournament be ( and everyone of us very much knows what it is going to be ! ), the nation has already lost interest in it , following the unjust ouster of their deserving heroes , at the hands of some corrupt idividuals !

I think the selectors are either mad or know something we dont. Mohammad Yousuf is a great batsman, he is very reliable and senior player. He should have been selected as well as Razzaq. A dashing batsman, whose hit the best bowlers in the world out of grounds, Razzaq should be selected. I hope they can sort this mess out with dialogue before it gets worst.

I think to play a 20-over match on south African pitches you need experience and lots of runs behind you, so dropping Mohammad Yousaf and Razaaq is unjustifiable

Duh!!!!
This is PCB, not expect logical or sensible thinking out of these nitwits.

Here we go again, oh. the wacky world of Pakistan Cricket-nothing ever makes sense, but then again, what would you expect from semi-literate administrators & selectors with no credentials.From the ever playing soap opera, of Shoaib,the current contract controversy of various players,to the very shabby & almost criminal treatment of [legend] Inzamam nothing ever makes sense, when it comes to Pakistan Cricket-we never learn from our mistakes,but then again we can not expect much from the people in any authority, after all they are product of a society, which has lived under various dictatorships, for so long that they are simply devoid of any logical thought process-forgive them, for they do not know any better.

oh no yet again a false step towards another world cup we have to put mohammed yusuf and abdul razaq in playing 11 we need their experince in middle order you will soon see when uper batsmen out quickley then no body in middle to save pakistani cause and our runs on board may be 60 for all out please put them again in playing 11 not in playing 15 only

yes, he should have been in the aquad as he is a world class player + Razzaq should also be in the squad....slelectors are base less on thier decision...

Your best batsman and you drop him, selectors have gone crazy

M.yousuf is one of our best batmans he should have been included along side razzaq the cricket board has gone crazy Misbah is older then yousuf so they cant say they are bringin youth in2 the side i jus don c the logic

yes i absolutely think that Yousuf shouldve been selected. But this is no surprise when a doctor runs cricket board instead of a medical facility.

I think we should consider the dropping of Yousuf and Razzaq in good spirit. In the long run, I think the selectors have probably made the right decision. Why can't we look at examples of other teams. South Africa axing Jacques Kallis and Andrew Hall; Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly and Zaheer Khan opting not to play for India. Given the nature of Twenty20 cricket, I am sure Yousuf would have found struggling because he needs time to build his innings and crucially, his fielding is not all that swift or brilliant. As for Razzaq, well the less said the better because nowadays he looks jaded and tired. His fitness level has gone down alarmingly. We should back the selections. Undue criticism is not unfair at this stage. Suppose if Pakistan really perform well with this squad then those lambasting the selections will go into hiding! So let us wait and see!!!

I suggest that 3 CAPAINS for 3 def. type of cricket ; I think for 20/20 SHAHID AFRIDI as captain ; ODI SHOIB MALIK and for test M.YOUSUF should . what do you think ?????

All what can be said about the board's decision to omit Mohammad Yousuf from the 20/20 squad that it is probably part of PCB's manifesto or policy to take as much as possible outrageous and ridicilous decisions as they can. And I have the feeling that the factor of religion had also had a part to play in the PCB's desision. Whatever it may be but, with whatsoever reasoning PCB may justify it's most illogical decision to drop Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq only time will tell what a fool they have been as I really don't have hope that pakistan's team performance will be just as dismal and appaulling as it was in world cup 2007. One only wonders on what will they blame the poor performance like in world cup 2007 they justified everything by fudging around the Bob Woolmer's fiasco. God be with the new coach who has just been appointed. It is very saddening that a player of caliber of Mohammad Yousuf is being humilated and disgrced by bunch of burearucrats those and america returned doctor who do not have a clue what cricket is all about. And not only that that also have any idea how they hurt the feelings not only of millions of cricket fans not only in Pakistan but all over the world by their but of player like Mohammad Yousuf who have rendered immense service to his country and his team over the years. As it is evident that the reason that performance of pakistan team is to it's real potental is not due to it's players but due to incompetenet and ignorant administrators,selectors and much more due to totally ignorant(of cricket)chairman. He may be have been a very able doctor but he has completely failed as the chairman of PCB. It is now high time Nasim Ashraf be sacked from the post of PCB's chairman, and if does not happens in the near future God knows which other disastars and catastroph await pakistan cricket.

I cannot understand why Pakistan cricket does not have a settled outlook. There is always one or the other controversies going on.
Actions by officials swing like a pendulium.They often come-up with bizarre decisions. I thought after the lessons of the debacle of world cup, things will improve. It is the same topsy turvy affairs. And as usual, logic is the least of their forte.
It is incomprehensible to believe they have left out Mohammed Yusuf. In fact, the whole batting plan should have been revolved around him!
The impression one gets is every score is settled by personal vendetta and one-upmanship. No wonder, with the exception of Imran Khan, no Pakistan cricketer has retired in a graceful manner.

If any sensible selector has to choose only 6 players, what to say of 15 names, for this type of cricket , Razzak and Yousuf should be in it. It is very important selectors should be accountable and should justify and provide the logic for these names omission and if they can't manage to do so , their recommendation should be amended . Ridiculous decisions are being taken and these seem to be real discrimination of our Heroes.

Its most harmful new for us that Yousuf and Razzaq isnt join the 20-20 squard. Selectors never need to includes Yonis and Yasir Arafat in 20-20 squard becuase they never play our domestic season as well as cant join the match in camp at atb,isb and karachi .

Keeping in mind the bouncing wickets in south africa ,it will get difficult for unexperienced players to survive there.Definately a blunder by PCB to miss an experienced player like yousaf & Razzaq.

no no no

To drop Muhammad Yusuf from the squad,,,i think is Boards policy of changing the whole environemnt of the team from religious attitide to enlighten moderation concept,,,,No one will say anything about Yousuf,,,but still he is out of the team,,,and no one knows the reason,,,,

If Board thinks that by doing this,,,they can change the lives of the rest of teh team mates,,,its not possible,,,,because whenever anyone come towards religion,,he comes with his own feelings not because of any other person.. so teh environemnt will still contiue to be the same,,,inshallah.............

Dropping somebody like Yousuf and Razzaq is ridiculous. Razzaq-i think-is the best batsman towards the end of the innings and 20-20 being the shorter version of the game absolutely suits him and he deserved being in there. Coming to Yousuf now, he has been the spine of Pakistani batting and now since Inzamam has retired, opting him out is complete nuisance, but lets hope the Pakistani selectors start using a bit more of their brains in the future. Instead, Younis has never been such a mainstay to Pakistani batting lineup, God knows why he's given so much of support. He must be kicked out of the team instead!

Dropping M.Yusuf is quite tricky as he is best at keeping his wicket, fielding wise he's not the best, but wins games with his batting.

But not including Razzaq!!! is crazy, he's a big hitter that can change a game at any stage. As well as being a good decent bowler. But again his fielding is questionable.

Has Pakistan gone for a team full of good fielders, rather than specialist players? Is that what 20 cricket about? I don't think so, 20 - 20 needs tight bowling with variation (Razzaq) with excellent shot selection that has a aggresive approach (Yusuf, Razzaq) and thight fielding with no mistakes (not razzaq's or Yusuf's plus points, but is Misbah a good fielder!?!)

To conclude I can understand why they did it, but they should have kept one of them in at least.

Good luck anyway, as it can't be changed now!

A good batsman is a good batsman whatever be the format .. But having said that, give a benefit of doubt to selectors.2020 is a game of youth is a future of cricket and fitness plays a major role in it. Maybe yousuf somehow didn't fit into their scheme of things

The only person who needs to be dropped from the PCB is Nasim Ashraf.
I mean how can you even think about dropping a hard hitting batsman like Razzaq? I would consider him Afridi's twin on may occasions.
On the other hand, Yousuf I guess is the only reliable batsman who can keep the wicket intact and go with the flow. And its not always about playing good cricket, sometimes its also about making right decisions at the right moment and Yousuf would be a good candidate for that.

Not to be disrespectful to M.Y., he has not been able to win Pakistan any close matches. Sticking around does not win a match. Did he perform in the last World Cup? All who followed the tourney should be able to recall his mild presence. Misbah is definitely not his replacement but if he fails, that should expose the selection blunder. Give him a chance for the sake of it.

Crazy decision to drop M.Yousuf and Razzaq. Have no idea why Salman Butt and Misbah are in squad. Also, where is Rana Naveed? Excluding Rana compounds the ridiculousness of these decisions.

Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq should both be in the squad. Just because Yousuf bats classically does not mean he scores slowly; how many times have we seen him scoring 60-odd off 50 balls with those huge sixes over long-off? Razzaq is vital for Twenty-20; as to those who point out his "recent bad form in the last 2 years", his batting average last year was 38, more than almost anyone else in the team, and his bowling economy was 5.26, which is less than many international bowlers these days. It's just 1 bad series against South Africa that's suddenly alerted everyone to a nonexistent 2-year decline. As to their fielding, none of the replacement players are remotely good fielders. The PCB's only good decision so far has been to make Shoaib Malik captain.

This is a shame for Pakistan Cricket Board to drop a plyer of Mohammad Yousuf's class. He should have been in the team any how. There is no reason to drop a player like him. Some may argue that this is a shorter version of game and we need young players to come forward. Then Y Misbahul Haq. You need a batsman like Mohd Yousuf in every game format ( 20/20 , 50 Over, test Match).

T-20 world cup will be a hit surely due to quick entertainment, but I dont know how much respect it has in the eyes of players. It is a place to have fun, and if some people have been denied to have fun. no problems. What people will say if yousuf and Razzaq keep playing and doing well for another 2 years?. This is a non-issue. 20-20 cricket doesnt deserve gud players right now. may be after few months or year..so dnt worry, pak cricket will be measured by success in ODIs and Test.

Ok. Lets say PCB just discarded their best player after inzamam. However, the comment made that they need young players in 20/20 overs format. I have no arguments on that. this is a game for young lads willing to give their best. but a player like Mohammad Yousuf who can accelarate and stay at the wicket at any given point makes no sense of his removal. His record breaking year is still not enough for PCB to consider him to be their best option?. this is insane to say M.Yousuf cant play 20/20. they picked Misbah-ul-haq? How has he perfomed? A bunch of good innings in domestic circuit but Mohd Yousuf scored 1700 plus runs in Test matches and a few blistering innings in Afro-Asia cup. But still, not enough to make PCB realise they need a senior too rather then all youngsters.