Younus in Pakistan squad after clearance

Pakistan's former captain Younus Khan made the limited overs squad on Wednesday for the upcoming series against South Africa after resolving a protracted battle with the cricket board.

Chief selector Mohsin Khan told a news conference that Younus was cleared by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt and was included in the squad.

"The PCB chairman has given clearance to Younus's selection... and we have included him in the limited overs squad straightaway," Khan said.

Younus has retired from Twenty20 cricket but will be available to play in a subsequent five-match one-day series.

Pakistan will also play two Tests against South Africa in the UAE, as they are unable to host the matches at home due to security fears.

Khan said Younus's progress will be assessed before considering him for the Tests.

Earlier the PCB legal adviser confirmed Younus was cleared after legal formalities were completed.

"Younus has given a written undertaking which was required to clear him and he will be soon be back in the team," said PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi.

The 32-year-old batsman had been banned indefinitely on charges of violating a players' code of conduct after Pakistan's disastrous tour of Australia, which ended in February.

Six other players, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal, were also banned and fined. Except for Yousuf, who retired, they all appealed against the sanctions.

A tribunal run by retired judge Irfan Qadir overturned the bans and halved the fines against six players. Yousuf was allowed to play on Pakistan's recent tour of England, which was mired in a separate spot-fixing scandal.

The PCB ordered Younus to apologise for statements made to the media criticising the cricket board for having taken strict steps, but the former captain refused.

Chief selector Mohsin Khan told reporters that Younus would be part of the limited over squad against South Africa in the UAE.

After monitoring his progress, he may also be included for a Test series against South Africa, Khan said.

Experienced batsman Mohammad Yousuf has been ruled out of the limited overs due to injury.

Pakistan plays the first Twenty20 match in Abu Dhabi on October 27.

Younus last played a one-day for Pakistan in January during the tour of Australia. He played the last of his 63 Tests in Sri Lanka last year.

He led Pakistan to its World Twenty20 title in England last year. He relinquished the captaincy after falling out with team-mates in November.

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