Younus plans to emulate Edhi, serve Pakistanis

Former batting legend wants to receive certification before becoming a coach

KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test veteran Younus Khan was given a grand welcome as he arrived in Karachi after retiring from international cricket following a historic series win against West Indies

Younus, while addressing media in Karachi, said he plans to begin coaching soon.

“I am really amazed to see a grand welcome at the airport and at my home,” said Younus. “The love people are giving me is just incredible and that is what a cricketer wants after serving his country. Last time I was welcomed like this in 2009 [after winning the World T20] but this time the fans have made me feel more proud of myself, and I am satisfied I have done my job right to win the hearts of fans.”

Younus, who became the first Pakistani to score 10,000 runs in Tests, then thanked the people who backed him throughout his career. “It is a great feeling to become the first Pakistani to score 10,000 runs. It all happened because of the backing and motivation of the people who always told me to do more,” he said.

Certification for coaching

The 39-year-old has said that he will give time to his family after he has retired from international cricket, however, Younus has a few future plans in mind and one of them includes becoming a certified coach.

“Many people have contacted me since the announcement of my retirement, but I think I will first enrol in some coaching courses and become a certified coach,” he said.

And when asked to compare playing and coaching, Younus termed the latter as more difficult. “A player’s job is easier than a coach. You have to keep a lot of things in mind as a coach and that is why I want learn the art first and then become a coach for some team; however, I haven’t decided who I am going to coach,” he said.

Apart from serving the game which gave him the well-deserved fame, Younus said he would like to emulate someone like Edhi in becoming a philanthropist.

“I wish to make Pakistan proud like [Abdul Sattar] Edhi did. He made every Pakistani proud in the world and that is what I am planning to do too, to serve humanity,” he said.