The middle-order batsman, who was overlooked by Pakistan while announcing their final 15-man squad for World Cup 2011, was banned and fined by domestic cricket officials for violating Pakistan Cricket Board’s code of conduct.

Yousuf, 36, was banned for two matches and fined Rs15, 000 for wearing unofficial gear and turning up late for a match of the ongoing National One-day Cup in Karachi. The action was taken by match referee Illyas Khan following a probe.

It’s yet another setback for the experienced batsman, who has scored 9720 runs from 288 One-day Internationals.

Yousuf has been in great form in the National One-day Cup and hit three consecutive fifties while leading Lahore Lions in the tournament.

However, national selectors believe that he is not fit which is the official reason for his omission from the World Cup squad as well as the touring party for the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand.

In spite of all such setbacks, Yousuf remains hopeful of his chances of resuming what is an illustrious international and is even harboring hopes of playing in World Cup 2011 which will begin in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from Feb. 19.

“God willing, I’ll play more international cricket for Pakistan,” said Yousuf, who has been out of favor with the PCB bosses since leading Pakistan in their disastrous tour of Australia during 2009-10.

Pakistan lost all their matches on that tour and later the PCB banned and fines several of the country’s leading players including Yousuf over breaches of indiscipline.

However, the ban was later removed and Yousuf was recalled midway during last year’s tour of England and was also given a chance to feature in the ‘home’ series against South Africa in the UAE last November. However, Yousuf had to pull out of the Test series against the Proteas because of injury, which he claimed to have sustained during a training session in Dubai. But senior Board officials suspect that he had been hiding the injury when he arrived in UAE.

“I’m disappointed at not being selected for the World Cup,” said Yousuf. “But it’s the decision of the national selectors which is why I won’t comment any further on it. I will, however, continue to work hard and try to win a comeback in the Pakistan team.”