Pakistan’s Md Yousuf has opted out of the Champions Trophy to observe the rules of fasting and prayer during Ramadan.

The 33-year-old has strictly followed the Muslim faith ever since he converted from Christianity in 2005 and has often stated that he would avoid playing during Ramadan.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in Pakistan between September 11 to 28.

The Pakistan Cricket Board, which had delayed the announcement of the 30-man preliminary squad for the International Cricket Council tournament, has accepted Yousuf's request.

"We have received a request from Yousuf that he wants a Ramadan break," Shafqat Naghmi, PCB's chief operating officer was quoted as saying by the News.

"The board respects his feelings and have decided to accept his request."

Yousuf is Pakistan's most experienced batsman with 9,242 runs, including 15 centuries, from 269 one-day internationals.