Younis Khan not keen on attending PCB's planned farewell

Former Pakistani cricketer Younis Khan looks absolutely miffed with the way cricket is administered in the country. He recently exclaimed that he is not keen on attending the farewell function that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to host for him and Misbah Ul Haq. Both Misbah and Younis played their farewell Test in the Caribbean earlier this year.

Speaking about the decision to do so, Younis Khan remarked that he is unable to comprehend the logic behind hosting the farewell so late. He further noted that he has no cravings for money. Rather, he is disappointed with the way the big players are neglected in Pakistan cricket. He mentioned that there have been several instances where he has felt disrespected.

“I don’t think this farewell matters now. What is its use after I and Misbah retired in May this year. In other countries, former captains or stalwarts are given farewells within days of their retirement,” quoted Younis Khan.

“I don’t see the use of this farewell now and I’m not after any money. Someone from the PCB called me and invited me and said I would receive a handsome amount but I have decided not to go because whatever I have seen in the PCB or have gone through when I was playing is not something I can forget,” quoted the former skipper.

Pride takes priority

Adding further on the same noted, Younis Khan pointed out that nothing matters to him more than pride and respect. He also revealed that the PCB reduced his pay by a significant number after he retired days before his contract with the board expired.

“That is enough for me. But for me nothing is more important than pride and respect. I don’t think the Board has treated many players with dignity and respect that they deserved,” he added.

“I retired on May 14 I think and my contract was till the end of June. I myself informed the Board about this but I never expected them to deduct the amount. It is not a sign of respect for a senior player. They also did the same with Misbah because of me,” he added further.

On faulty methods and administration

Lashing out at the cricket administration in the country, he cited the example of only one Pakistani player scoring over 10000 Test runs. Younis Khan is the only player in the elite list from the country. He remarked that their have been better players in the past but all have not been handled in the way they deserved to be treated.

”We started playing Test cricket in 1952 and we have just one batsman who scored 10,000 Test runs (Myself). Did not we produce great batsmen? What about Javed Miandad, Inzamam or Muhammad Yousuf. I think they were not allowed to play properly and get more runs. I had to fight all the way to keep on playing for Pakistan and to get to this milestone,” remarked Younis.