I hope he rethinks the decision Lawson on Yousuf

Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq and Imran Farhat have signed up despite the Pakistan board's decision to ban participants from the national team.

But Lawson said: "To lose him is a blow, he's such an outstanding player.

"I hope he rethinks the decision. He can certainly still be tremendously important to Pakistan cricket."

Lawson took charge of his first training session with the Pakistan team this week, having arrived in the country on Monday to take up his post and prepare for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Yousuf's decision to join the ICL

And the 49-year-old former Australian paceman refused to be drawn on whether the Pakistan board were correct to rule out the selection of players involved in thr ICL.

"It is not for me to speak on really, I'm a coach not an administrator," he said.

"It certainly does not affect my role and what I'm here to do. I am thrilled and honoured to be here and meeting with the players. The enthusiasm among the players is outstanding and they are eager to do well."