Beat India and then offer handshake, Younis tells Pakistan

India and the Greenshirts are likely to set the first ever Asia Cup final against each other

DUBAI:

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan believes nothing can ignite the Asia Cup like a Pakistan–India final, a clash the tournament has never witnessed in its 16 editions.

With Pakistan’s Super Four win over Sri Lanka and India’s victory against Bangladesh, the prospect has moved closer to reality. For that to happen, Pakistan must overcome Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday to set up a blockbuster final on September 28.

‘Win first, shake hands later’

Younis, Pakistan’s highest run-getter in Test cricket with 10,099 runs, insists the final could bring out the best in his country’s players.

“Pakistan was not up to the mark in the two matches, but a final against India will pump our players because it will be a title-deciding match,” Younis told Telecom Asia Sport.

“Win the final and then offer a handshake to Indian players.”

Spirit of the game questioned

The former captain criticised India for not shaking hands with Pakistani players after matches.

“By not shaking hands the Indian players damaged the spirit of the game. This is a gentleman’s game so you need to shake hands after the match. But Indian players are following the policy and advice of their government.

“If tomorrow our government advise the players not to shake hands with Indian players, then they will also have to follow. But that is not in our nature.”

Consistency still missing in Pakistan

Younis also expressed frustration at Pakistan’s lack of consistency despite repeatedly hiring foreign coaches.

“Look at India, they have become a world-class side because they do not change and chop frequently. We have brought a foreign coach for umpteen times but our team still lacks consistency.”

Lessons from India’s system

Praising India’s cricketing structure, Younis urged Pakistan to adopt a similar model.

“India has a very good system. They have improved their infrastructure and system and that is why they produce good players. We must lift our system. Until and unless we match the systems of other countries, we will not be able to rise at the international level.”