Younis wants Shah to ensure India's CT participation

The former captain warmly welcomed the BCCI's secretary's appointment as ICC Chief

Former captain Younis Khan has called on newly-appointed International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah to demonstrate sportsmanship by facilitating India's participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in Pakistan.

Younis warmly welcomed Shah's appointment and expressed hope that his leadership would uplift the sport of cricket globally.

"The cricket should uplift with the appointment of Jay Shah as the ICC chief," Younis said.

"Jay Shah needs to show the sportsman spirit, as with the good initiatives of the ICC chief, India can come to Pakistan to play cricket. In the same way, Pakistan can visit India," he added.

Reflecting on Pakistan's recent cricketing challenges, Younis, who led Pakistan to victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup, commented on the national team's crushing 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test of a two-match series.

He urged the team to play with renewed vigor for the pride of the nation.

"There is always a pressure to play cricket in home conditions. What is the benefit to the players if they cannot absorb the pressure? There is a dire need for the players to boost their morale," he said.

"Everybody has seen that whether the pitch was fast or slow.

"We have clinched victories at that time when no international cricket was happening in the country," he added.

The former legend also addressed recent comments made by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who lamented the lack of a sufficient player pool to revitalize the national team.

He disagreed, emphasizing the wealth of talent available in Pakistan's domestic cricket.

"I'm not sure why the PCB chairman feels there's no talent in domestic cricket," Younis said.

"We have immense talent in our domestic circuit," he concluded.

Earlier, Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies, explains the unanimous selection of Jay Shah as the new ICC Chairman, highlighting broad consensus and support for Shah's leadership within the cricketing community.

In an interview at a local Indian channel, Grave highlighted Shah's remarkable achievements during his tenure as Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

He praised Shah for his significant contributions to cricket, noting his successful management of major events such as the 2023 ODI World Cup and the introduction of the Women's Premier League (WPL).

"The ICC board doesn't want to waste too much time on internal politics. If you look at Jay's leadership at the BCCI, it has been wonderful. He has hosted the Women's Premier League, successfully oversaw the 50-over World Cup in India and has signed huge broadcast deals with IPL and for BCCI," Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave said.