Younus declines captaincy

Former captain approached to reduce Misbah’s workload, refused in order to concentrate on his batting.

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had approached Younus Khan to captain Pakistan in limited-overs in order to reduce the workload on Misbahul Haq but the former captain declined the request, insisting on need to concentrate on his batting and his desire to stay away from controversies.

The move was part of PCB’s move to either groom a young captain or fill the void left by the retirement of all-rounder Shahid Afridi. The board, following Younus’ refusal, has decided to keep Misbah as captain for the next three series even if the middle-order batsman fails to maintain his performance.

Younus’ refusal did not come as a surprise as the batsman, who led Pakistan to the 2009 World Twenty20 title before retiring from the format altogether, stepped down as the One-Day International and Test captain later that year citing the lack of backing from teammates.

He was recalled to the side midway through the tour of Australia but, by the integrity committee formed after Pakistan’s winless tour, was fined and banned indefinitely for creating disharmony in the dressing room.

He was then overlooked for the tour of England but earnt yet another recall — the series against South Africa in the UAE and has been a regular since then.

“Younus was asked to become limited-overs captain but he refused the offer straightway,” a top PCB official told The Express Tribune. “He said he just wanted to focus on his batting and was not ready to take captaincy as his wish was to stay away from controversies.

“We respect his feelings and won’t be forcing him to take the job. The board has now decided to rely on Misbah with the hope that he will perform and stay fit for a longer period. At least, he will be captaining the series against Sri Lanka and England in all formats.”

Malik not a contender

Meanwhile, in a reply to reports surfacing speculating another former captain Shoaib Malik to not only make a quick comeback to the national squad but also be appointed limited-overs captain, the official said that the PCB had not planned any such action.

“There are no such plans as yet. The possibility of Malik being named captain has not been discussed by the PCB’s think tank.”

Malik yet to provide remaining documents

A PCB official also added that the former captain fell short of providing a couple of important documents related to his bank accounts which denied him instant clearance in a hearing earlier this week.

“Malik provided around 90 per cent  of the sought documents. He failed to submit a couple which delayed the verdict. Although the documents were not that important, the integrity committee cannot pass judgment on basis of incomplete documents and that is why he wasn’t cleared.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2011.