Younis Khan clears the air about his sudden retirement from ODIs

There was a big controversy in Pakistan cricket after former national skipper, Younis Khan, abruptly announced his retirement from One-day Internationals during Pakistan’s ODI series with England in November. The Asian giants had lost the series and many blamed Younis for the defeat.

However, the 38-year-old has finally broken silence on his decision to retire. Younis said, "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,"

The batsman also said that he had wanted to retire from ODIs gracefully, like he had done from T20 cricket in 2009 when he led Pakistan to World T20 title. He added that he was in and out of the ODI team and had to wait for months before he was called back in the team, so he could retire with head held high.

The right-handed batsman said, "Even where Test cricket is concerned when I feel it is the right time I will announce my retirement. It will be my decision,"

I will only respond to these things when Waqar is sitting with me: Younis

The middle-order batsman also declined to comment on statements made by Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis, who said that the sudden announcement of retirement prior to the first ODI against England came as a big shock for the team. Younis revealed that he had sat down with Waqar and told he could play at any position in all four matches of the series.

He said. "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 has emerged as Pakistan's top run-getter with 9116 runs in 104 Tests with a batting average of 53.94. But his record in ODIs has not been as impressive with an average of just 31 in 265 matches.

He was only picked 12 times since March 2013 in the 50-overs format which made clear that the national selectors didn’t have much confidence in him. He said, "How can a senior player react when the selectors say he doesn't feature in their future plans,"

No angels would come to rescue Pakistan cricket from this situation: Younis

On the present disastrous form of the national team in ODIs and T20 cricket, Younis said no ‘angels’ would come to rescue Pakistan cricket. He said, "It is time we stopped this culture of blaming each other for 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,"

On Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming World T20 in India, he said that he thinks Pakistan still have the mettle to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. He added, "The team just needs someone to give them confidence that is all. The role of team management is very important. Our former late coach Bob Woolmer was successful and popular because he dealt with each player differently,"