PCB chief criticises Younis Khan retirement

Younis Khan has 7249 runs and seven centuries in ODI format

Pakistani cricketer Younis Khan’s decision of retiring from One Day Internationals has not only shocked the cricket world, but has drawn some fierce criticism too. Shaharyar Khan, chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has condemned this decision as it came right after the 37-year-old’s comeback to national team.

“I am disappointed at not only his decision to retire from ODIs but also the timing of his decision. Younis has been doing well and that is why the selectors felt he should be played again in the one-day matches. For me it is surprising he announced his retirement today,” a disheartened Shaharyar Khan told PTI. However, the PCB chief has confirmed that a proper send-off will be arranged for Younis Khan.

The former Pakistan captain announced his retirement on the morning of first Pakistan vs England ODI at Abu Dhabi. Previously during Pakistan’s exit from World Cup in March, he had expressed disappointment at the selectors’ decision to drop him.

Pakistan’s chief selector, Haroon Rashid is confused with Khan’s decision. While talking about it, Rashid said he had got no indication from the man with 7249 ODI runs. Rashid said, “When I went to Sharjah to meet with the team management and I also talked to Younis, he gave me no indication he was planning to retire from ODIs after the first match of the series. He never dicussed this retirement thing with us.”

The selector said that they had picked Khan keeping in mind the need to have an experienced middle order batsman. However he also added that the team’s balance will not get disrupted by this.

Pakistan’s former coach Mohsin Khan feels that Waqar Younis’ unwillingness to have the 37-year-old batsman back in the ODI team can be a reason behind this decision. He told Geo Super, "It makes no sense that after being picked for the full series in the one-day squad after such a big gap he should decide to retire after playing the first match. Definitely I think something has happened in the last 48 or 24 hours to have upset Younis who is very sensitive and a self-respecting individual.”

Mohsin also feels that there might have been fault on the part of captain, coach and manager of the team said, "I think the job of the captain, manager and coach is to not only motivate the players but also make them feel comfortable and wanted. I think in Younis's case this didn't happen and no one tried to speak to him to find out his feelings."

During his 15-year long ODI career that started in 2000 against Sri Lanka, Younis Khan has scored seven centuries in this format. In his final match at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, he was dismissed for nine runs.