Wasim Akram tells Mobile ESPN’s Faisal Kamal that the return of Mohammad Yousuf has been the best thing to happen to Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan's shocking defeat in the Galle Test against Sri Lanka may once again raise questions about the team's reliability factor, but amidst all the gloom in their camp, there has been a definite silver lining.

Mohammad Yousuf has made a strong statement by cracking a ton on his return to the national and former skipper Wasim Akram cannot help but praise the master batsman.

Yousuf, who was out of the Pakistan squad because of his involvement with the controversial Indian Cricket League, scored a classy 112 in the first Test in Galle to stamp his utility in the long version of the game. It was his 24th Test century and the first against the Lankans.

A great player

Speaking exclusively to Mobile ESPN from Manchester, Akram said, "Yousuf scoring a ton in his comeback Test is a way of telling the selectors that how great a player he is. A player like Yousuf cannot be kept out of the team."

The 34-year-old Yousuf averages 55.49 in 79 Tests and still is the backbone of Pakistan batting. Akram said, "Yousuf is a kind of player who can fit into any side of the world. He is a long-race horse."

Pakistan's decision to grant amnesty to critical players who had linked themselves with the ICL has indeed been a smart decision. Yousuf along with Abdul Razzaq and Imran Nazir have already been handed central contracts the Pakistan Cricket Board.

ICL players' coming back is good

A staunch critic of PBC's often quirky affairs, Akram this time is happy. "It is a positive move by the PCB. The players have unfortunately borne the brunt of wearing the ‘rebel' tag for three good years and now when they have snapped all their ties with the ICL, deserve a place in the national side."

All-rounder Razzaq, who picked up three wickets in the Twenty20 World Cup final at Lord's had impressed one and all on his comeback and opener Imran Nazir is also expected to make the cut in the one-day squad against Sri Lanka.

Akram imagines the team must have welcomed the troika back with open arms. "Pakistan need them if they have to do well," Akram added.

With the future of ICL uncertain, Akram feels several cricketers will now be able to return to mainstream cricket. After Pakistan, New Zealand have already included Shane Bond and Darryl Tuffey.

Akram said, "ICL was a non-recognised tournament and cricket Boards were right to sack players associated with the league. But with the ICL shop shut, it is a great opportunity for players to don the national colours, which is the ultimate dream."