Younis Khan unlikely to be considered for captaincy

Younis Khan is unlikely to captain the Pakistan cricket team, amidst speculations that his unavailability to play for the side till September irked the selectors.

younis khan 246

Younis has been the vice-captain for the team for two years and it was hoped that after Inzamam steps out, the reign would go in Younis' hands, but his denial to play for the side till September meant that he would not be the captain under the current administration regime. Even after the World Cup, Younis declined the offer by the board to lead the side, the second time he had walked away from the position in the last seven months.

Nasim Ashraf, the board chairman, expressing his disappaointment at Younis' decision said, Khan was the preferred choice of many, before Shoaib Malik was appointed.

The chairman rued,

Younis had been groomed for this position and he also deserved an automatic place in the team, just like Shoaib Malik. Younis has got leadership quality and it was part of a succession plan that the board had put in place. When he did that after the World Cup, I think it was because of personally taking that performance to heart too much and he was mentally I think depressed about it.

But, the chairman suggested that the new captain, Shoib Malik could lead the side for the next three World Cups. This means that the doors to captain the Pakistan team are now closed for Younis.

Younis opted to play for his county side, Yorkshire, rather than making himself available for his home team for the Abu Dhabi series against Sri Lanka. His decision to be unavailable till September for Pakistan, while turning out for a county side, irked the PCB officials.

But Ashraf declared that though Younis will be seen in Pakistan team again, but he will not lead them.

Since, the world cup, Pakistan cricket has been embroiled under controversies.

Image Credit

Via: Cricinfo