Lahore, Sept 27 : Pakistani batsman Mohammad Yousuf today agreed to cancel his contract with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) in order to continue playing for his national team.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Nasim Ashraf said that he had a “fruitful meeting” with Yousuf today, during which the prolific batsman signed a central contract with the board.

"He is now available to represent Pakistan. He is the backbone of Pakistan's batting, and we are happy that he is back,” Ashraf said.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Yousuf, who was recently named ICC Test player of 2006, said: "Whatever I have achieved is because of my country and I am willing to do anything for Pakistan.”

“I didn't know this clause in the ICL contract that priority had to be given to the league instead of Pakistan when international matches are happening simultaneously,” cricinfo.com quoted him as saying.

The latest development comes a day after Ashraf vowed to bring back Yousuf from the ICL to play for Pakistan.

After returning from South Africa on the conclusion of the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship, Ashraf expressed the hope that he would convince Yousuf to leave the ICL, adding that the doors of the PCB are open for all the ICL playing cricketers.

Yusuf’s decision assumes significance for Pakistan as the team is scheduled to play the first Test against visiting South Africa from Monday.

The 33-year-old cricketer, along with former skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq, Imran Farhat and Abdul Razzaq, signed with the multi-million dollar ICL a month ago, apparently due to his omission from Pakistan’s team for the Twenty20 World Championship. (With inputs from ANI)