Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam described Mohammad Yousuf's decision to join the rebel Indian cricket league as "unfortunate"

However, Intikhab remained confident about finding a replacement for the middle-order batsman before the Test series against India early next year.

"The manner in which Yousuf has gone to India and joined the ICL is "unfortunate" and "ill-advised"," Intikhab said in an interview.

"Yousuf has been one of our leading batsman in recent years and there is no doubt about the depth and value he gave to Pakistan batting line-up. But his defection is something we have to overcome.

"I don't think we will miss him much in the coming one-day series against the West Indies but we have to find able replacements in time for the Test series against India early next year," Intikhab said.

Yousuf signed a contract with the ICL yesterday in New Delhi but still expressed optimism of donning the national colours, although the Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a complete ban on the batsman from playing for or in Pakistan till he is contracted with the rebel league.

With Yousuf ineligible to play for Pakistan, Intikhab felt that the new breed of batsmen who have been trying to get into the national team now have the ideal opportunity to cement their spot in the middle order. Intikhab said Yousuf had been a pillar of strength particularly in Test matches but was positive about the team's success despite Yousuf's defection.

"I always believe in moving on and there is no doubt we have plenty of talent in our domestic cricket as well," he said.

Intikhab also felt the PCB was right in banning Yousuf as there should be no compromise on discipline.

"The right example has to be set. The bottom line is that the Board or the ICC does not recognise the ICL and there is a clear policy about it with all the Boards," he said.

The former Test captain and all-rounder, known for his strict stand on discipline, gave the example of Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds in this regard.

"Symonds has been a key player for his country against India but they still dropped him for a breach of discipline. And he has now apologised for his actions. That is the way it should be," he said.