‘He will continue as captain until the World Cup in 2011’, says PCB chief
THE PAKISTAN Cricket Board has reportedly rejected Younus Khan’s resignation.
The 31-year-old quit as captain last week following match-fixing allegations levied against the team at the recent Champions Trophy in South Africa.
But after meeting in Islamabad, the PCB said they had no justification to replace him as captain.
“He will continue as captain until the World Cup in 2011, if he stays fit,” PCB chairman Ijaz Butt was quoted as saying in the Dawn newspaper.
He added there was no reason to accept Younus’ resignation following a successful period for Pakistan which saw them crowned Twenty20 World Champions, beat close rivals India and make it to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.
“With so many performances this year do you think he should be changed?’ Butt asked reporters.
Revealing reasons why he tendered his resignation last week, Younus said he had been “deeply hurt” by match-fixing allegations that alleged the team had deliberately lost a group game against Australia which helped knock rivals India out of the Champions Trophy tournament, as well as throwing their semi-final match against New Zealand.
“Ever since we returned from South Africa, I was hiding from people as if I have committed a crime,” Younus said at the time.
“It was painful because I played my cricket for pride, for my country and not for money. It was the limit and being an honourable Pathan (Pashtun), I felt I must resign. It’s not an emotional decision. I am badly hurt.”
Butt also revealed the allegations had affected Younus’ family with several members allegedly not talking to the Pakistan captain following the match-fixing allegations.
Speaking in Islamabad today, Butt said he understood the emotional state Younus was in and would have made the same decision had he been in his shoes.
“He reacted after so many things happened and I would have done the same had I been in his place,” Butt admitted.
With the issue now seemingly resolved, Pakistan can now focus on their next campaign – a one-day and Twenty20 series against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates next month.
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