Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has finally broken his silence on his decision to retire abruptly from one-day international last November during the series against England.
“It unfortunate I am blamed for the limited over series defeat to England. But one thing is clear I didn’t retire abruptly or because of either head coach Waqar Younis or anyone else,” Younis said on Geo Super channel.
Younis, 37, said he had wanted to retire from ODIs gracefully like he had done from T20 cricket in 2009.
“Even where test cricket is concerned when I feel it is the right time I will announce my retirement. It will be my decision,” he said.
Younis also declined to comment on statements by Waqar that Younis’s sudden retirement on the morning of the first ODI against England upset the team and that he had sat down with Younis and told he could play at any position in all four matches.
“I will only respond to these things when Waqar is sitting with me. But it was not an abrupt decision. I had wanted to retire much earlier but I didn’t even get enough matches in the World Cup,” Younis said.
The national selectors also picked Younis for just 12 ODI appearances since March 2013, making it clear they didn’t have confidence in him in this format.
“How can a senior player react when the selectors say he doesn’t feature in their future plans,” the batting great said.
Referring to the present dismal form of the national team in ODIs and T20 cricket, Younis said no angels would come to rescue Pakistan cricket.
“It is time we stopped this culture of blaming each other after every defeat. The team management is responsible and supposed to give confidence and encouragement to every player. Dropping one or two players after a defeat wouldn’t make a difference. There is a need to give respect to players,” Younis said.
Aamir may get central contract
Tainted Pakistan left-arm pacer Muhammad Aamir is under PCB consideration for a central contracted, just one month after his comeback to international cricket.
Reliable sources in the PCB said that Chairman Shaharyar Khan would decide on whether Aamir should be given a central contract later this week. “But the national selectors and team management have indicated to the board they believe it will help Aamir’s rehabilitation and reintegration process and enhance his credibility if he is included in the contracts list,” one source said.