Wasim Akram advises Younis Khan to focus on Test cricket

Akram feels that Younis will be much better off focussing on Test cricket alone

Pakistan legend Wasim Akram advised veteran batsman Younis Khan to focus solely on Test cricket, Times of India reports. The 49-year-old asked Younis to drop the idea of playing one day cricket in the future and also accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of creating a misunderstanding over the issue.

Younis played a crucial role as Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in the three-Test series held earlier this year. He was overlooked for the ODI leg of the tour, however, resulting in the middle order batsman launching a scathing attack on the Pakistan team management, especially his Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and head coach Waqar Younis. He also stated his intention of carrying on playing ODIs.

“I have scored runs against every strong opposition so why can’t I play ODIs. I have also gone up and played against any side when others have backed down,” Younus said back in July. “Why can’t I play one-day cricket. What is wrong with me. Am I not fit or good enough. If I had been given a chance in the recent home series against Zimbabwe I would definitely have got runs.”

Akram, however, commented that it would be in Younis’ best interests if he focussed only on the longer format of the game.

"Pakistan still requires him in this format (Test) where he has been so consistent. But I think given his seniority Younis deserves to be told by the selectors where he stands as far as ODIs are concerned. Younis deserves this much, but I would advise him to stop worrying about playing the ODI format."

Akram blamed the PCB for not handling the matter properly as he felt that the board had communicated the plans they have in mind for Younis to the batsman himself.

"There is a clear communication gap between the cricket board and national selectors and Younis which is why we see the senior batsman keep on repeating he wants to play 50-overs cricket," Akram said. "I think it is best if the board and selectors sat down with Younis and discussed their future plans for him especially where one-day cricket and Tests are concerned," he stated.

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif also echoed Akram’s thoughts stating that the PCB were not helping matters by issuing contradictory statements over Younis.

"The selectors or board doesn't help by giving statements like 'the doors are open for Younis to play ODIs' or 'he will be selected when he believes he is certain to be part of the playing XI'. They are only confusing him," Latif said recently.