Pakistan's Farhat joins rebel Indian cricket league

KARACHI (Reuters) - Discarded test opener Imran Farhat has become the first Pakistani player to sign up for the rebel Indian Cricket League series.

"Yes I have formally signed a contract with the organisers of the Indian league but I would still love to play for my country," the 25-year-old Farhat told Reuters on Monday.

"I am not happy at the way the selectors have treated me. They have not made selections on merit and I had no option but to think of my future," added Farhat, who has played 27 tests for his country.

Four other players -- Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood -- have also been linked with the ICL, a Twenty20 team tournament organised by India's largest listed media firm and due to take place in October-November.

Earlier on Monday, Razzaq announced his retirement from international cricket in protest over the Pakistan Cricket Board's indifferent attitude towards senior players.