It was a big shock for Pakistan cricket authorities when they come to know that their prolific batsman Mohammad Yousuf is all set to join the ‘rebel’ Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Mohammad Yousuf left Karachi on Monday for New Delhi to play in the Indian Cricket League. The right hand batsman has been named in the national squad for the up-coming series against the West Indies.

PCB officials confirmed they have learnt from Yousuf’s wife that he would be playing in the ICL, dealing a severe blow to the national team which has witnessed a series of defections to ICL in the recent years.

Speaking on this in a press conference, Zakir Khan, director cricket operations, PCB said, “He didn’t tell us anything about his plans. His leaving like this for India and confirmation he is going to play in the ICL has come as a shock to us.”

A disappointed newly appointed coach for Pakistan national team, Intikhab Alam said, “Until we get an official confirmation from Yousuf himself we can’t say much right now. But if he has joined the ICL then he would be banned from all cricket in Pakistan.”

According to media reports Yousef was not happy for being left out for the Twenty20 four-nation tournament played in Toronto last month.

Currently 18 players have been banned by Pakistan for being associated with the ICL including top names like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzak, Saqlain Mushtaq, Imran Nazir, Mohammad Sami and Rana Naved. Yousuf's decision to join ICL comes after he had filed an appeal in the Mumbai High Court against the stay order issued by an arbitrator barring him for playing in any other league.