I’ll work for people who respect individuals: Younus

Batting legend donates 10,000-run bat, Rs10m to The Citizen Foundation

KARACHI: Former Pakistan veteran batsman Younus Khan revealed plans about his future association with cricket, and said that he will work with and for people who know how to respect an individual.

Younis was talking to media at a ceremony where he donated his bat, with which he completed his 10,000 runs, to The Citizen Foundation (TCF). He also donated the Rs10 million, which were announced by the Prime Minister for him, to TCF.

“I had promised TCF that whenever I will score 10,000 runs, I will donate the bat to them and here I am fulfilling my promise,” said Younus. “I have also decided to equally donate the Rs10 million to TCF, Edhi foundation and Indus Hospital announced by the PM as soon as I receive them.”

The 40-year-old said he was happy to contribute to TCF’s mission of educating children. ”I am happy to be associated with TCF for the good cause of education, as nations thrive through education. We all should work for this cause to whatever extent we can. A single person’s kindness can do wonders for the children,” he said.

Younus then highlighted that earning money doesn’t hold any importance for him and he is ready to work for people who pay him with respect.

“I have decided to work where giving respect is a norm. Ten Thousand runs are not scored in the air, there is a hard behind it, it is a product of more than 30 years,” he said.

“I don’t ask for money to go to any event, I came here for free and will continue doing charity work in future,” he added.

Pakistan’s highest scorer in Tests further revealed why he chose to serve UBL.

“I have joined UBL because they are not only serving cricket with their department teams but also because they have plans to help the community, which is my aim too,” said Younus. “We will soon sit and plan a better future for Pakistan cricket.”

While commenting on Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph, he credited captain Sarfraz Ahmed and demanded more respect and appreciation for the man who made it possible. “They [Sarfraz and team management] should be appreciated and respected better as they won a title for Pakistan.”

He also lamented how he was treated after winning the World T20 for Pakistan in 2009. “[They should be treated well] unlike I was treated when we won the lone T20 title. I was not given the respect I deserved and neither was I acknowledged rightly,” he concluded.