Meeting the legendary Younis Khan is a reminder that humility and greatness can coexist. He speaks softly but thinks deeply.
On the field, though, it was his bat that did all the talking in an illustrious career that spanned nearly 17 years.
Indeed, his astounding records and monumental achievements makes the man worthy of knighthood. Over 10,000 Test runs, 34 centuries, six double centuries, one triple century, centuries against nine Test playing nations, hundred catches as a fielder, 23 centuries outside Pakistan, victorious skipper of the 2009 T20 World Cup — and the impressive list of milestones goes on.
The affable player from Mardan blushes when complimented about the many feathers in his cap. "Achievements are one thing, but when people remember you with love and call you a true Pakistani — that's the real legacy," says Younis in an exclusive interview with the Express Tribune recently.
Younis credits his early life in Mardan and a close-knit family of six brothers for nurturing his love for cricket. "We all played cricket," he recalled, "and I was lucky to have their support. My family never saw it as a waste of time. They saw my passion."
The prolific right-hander, who has been an ideal for millions in Pakistan and abroad, was inspired by his elder brother Sharif Khan who encouraged him to professionally take up the game.
"For me, it was my elder brother Sharif Bhai who was the ultimate role model," says Younis as his eyes light up. "He (Sharif) was the complete package — captain, wicketkeeper, opening batsman, even an occasional off-spinner, and a brilliant fielder. He led from the front and had a great personality.
From Steel Mills to steely nerves
Besides his batsmanship, Younis maintained remarkable composure in career through crises - be it personal tragedy, Pakistan's international cricket drought, or high-stakes matches. "That sort of mental toughness was a part of my grooming at home," says Younis. "There's something powerful about the right environment and I found that environment at home which shaped me more than I can explain."
His family had migrated from Mardan to Karachi in the early 80s and Younis Khan's father decided to settle down near the Steel Mills area.
Growing up in Karachi during the volatile years of the early '90s contributed, too, in Younis acquiring his steely nerves. "Yes indeed, violence and unrest were rampant in those days, but the dream stayed alive," he says.
The former Pakistan Captain recounts incidents where his team's vehicles came under fire, and they had to duck and hide. "I saw those dark days firsthand. Once you've played cricket through that, nothing fazes you."
"When I joined Malir Gymkhana in 1992, it was a powerhouse — Waheed Mirza, Tariq Alam, Rashid Latif — they all played there. Suddenly, I was surrounded by top-class cricketers and mentors. That competitive environment, too, worked wonders."
"It's that background that helped in developing my temperament. When I debuted for Pakistan against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium in Karachi in 2000, my captain asked me how I handled pressure. I was surprised. Pressure? After what we'd seen growing up, this is nothing."
Unfazed by comparisons
In the recent comparisons carried out by a renowned website on modern greats, Younis Khan held sway over his contemporaries with his astounding achievements and handsome run aggregate.
So does it rankle with him when the Kohlis and the Smiths get to hog the limelight.
"Not in the slightest," he replies. "I honestly don't believe in comparisons. My Allah knows how hard I worked and what I was able to accomplish. Besides, the love of my fans is the real reward. Having said that, I wish our cricket administrators could make greater, sincere efforts to ensure we were given our due in terms of respect, reward and recognition after having served our country with distinction."
Asked about his cricketing idols, Younis names Rashid Latif as someone he learned from directly, but holds special reverence for two legends — Javed Miandad and Imran Khan. "Miandad bhai was someone we all wanted to emulate — the way he built his innings, carried the team, guided youngsters, and performed under pressure. As for Imran Khan, of course, he was a national icon who literally inspired every cricketer in the country who played the game after him."
In what could be termed as poetic justice, Younis fulfilled his childhood dream while emulating Imran in 2009. "I always wanted to be part of a World Cup-winning team, just like Imran Khan in 1992. And in 2009, I was the captain when we won the T20 World Cup. It was proof that dreams backed by will and discipline do come true."
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