Mohammad Yousuf is one of Pakistan’s most elegant and prolific batsmen, with over 17,000 international runs and a record-breaking 2006 season where he scored 1,788 Test runs — the most by any player in a calendar year.
Profile Overview
- Full Name: Mohammad Yousuf (formerly Yousuf Youhana)
- Born: August 27, 1974, Lahore, Punjab
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm offbreak
- Role: Top-order batter
- Converted to Islam: In 2005, he changed his name from Yousuf Youhana to Mohammad Yousuf
Mohammad Yousuf International Career
| Format | Debut | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Feb 26, 1998 vs South Africa | 90 | 7,530 | 52.29 | 24 | 223 |
| ODI | Mar 28, 1998 vs Zimbabwe | 288 | 9,720 | 41.72 | 15 | 141 |
| T20I | Aug 28, 2006 vs England | 3 | 50 | 16.67 | 0 | 26 |
Career Highlights
- Most Test runs in a calendar year (1,788 in 2006) — breaking Viv Richards’ record
- ICC Test Player of the Year (2007)
- 24 Test centuries — third-most by a Pakistani after Younis Khan and Inzamam-ul-Haq
- Played for Pakistan from 1998 to 2010, including stints as captain
- Elegant strokeplay and high backlift made him a fan favorite
- Domestic teams: Lahore, PIA, WAPDA, Bahawalpur, ZTBL, Lahore Lions, Warwickshire, Lancashire
Legacy
Yousuf is remembered for his graceful batting, especially against pace and spin in subcontinent conditions. His 2006 season remains unmatched, and his conversion to Islam was a major personal and public moment. He later served as a batting coach for Pakistan, mentoring the next generation.
Mohammad Yousuf Religion
Mohammad Yousuf was originally a Christian (born Yousuf Youhana) and converted to Islam in 2005, after which he adopted the name Mohammad Yousuf. His conversion was one of the most publicized moments in Pakistan cricket, as he became the first major Christian cricketer from the country to embrace Islam.
Background
- Birth Name: Yousuf Youhana
- Family Origin: His father, Yohana Maseeh, was a Christian from Lahore.
- Religion Before 2005: Devout Christian, regularly attending church.
- Conversion: In 2005, he embraced Islam, guided by fellow cricketer Saeed Anwar and his wife.
- New Identity: Changed his name to Mohammad Yousuf after conversion.
Impact of Conversion
- His conversion was widely covered in Pakistani and international media.
- He described Islam as a source of peace, discipline, and guidance in his life.
- After conversion, he became more visibly religious, often seen reciting prayers on the field.
- He credited his faith for his record-breaking 2006 season, where he scored 1,788 Test runs, the most in a calendar year.
Legacy
- Yousuf’s journey from Christianity to Islam is often cited as one of the most remarkable personal transformations in cricket.
- He continues to speak about his faith, emphasizing that guidance (hidayat) is from Allah.
- His story remains inspirational for many fans who see him as a symbol of resilience, humility, and devotion.
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