‘I want to end my career on a high note’

Former captain Younus Khan vows to leave past troubles behind him following his clearance to be included in ODI squad.

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Younus Khan has vowed to leave past troubles behind him following his clearance by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman to be included in the One-Day International (ODI) squad to take on South Africa.

Younus, who remained out of contention for almost nine months, has also vowed to stay clear of controversies and end his career on a high note.

“I didn’t want to end my career in a disruptive way like this,” said Younus. “I only want to play for Pakistan and I don’t want to get involved in any controversies and finish off my career with my reputation intact.”

The 32-year-old, who resolved his issues with the PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt that paved way for his name being cleared, is currently training at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore with the rest of the squad for the series against South Africa in the UAE that starts on October 26.

“I’m very happy to be recalled by the PCB,” said Younus. “I talked to the chairman on Wednesday and resolved the differences. There is no ego problem. It was all a misunderstanding that has been cleared now. I’ve always wanted to play for Pakistan.

“If I can score a few centuries [on the upcoming tour] it will be a pretty good comeback. I can play under any captain as captaincy is not an issue for me.”

Younus’ career has been highlighted by phases of captaincy that he has either resigned from or been told to give up.

The right-handed batsman, who made his Test and ODI debut in 2000, has played 63 Tests and 202 ODIs to go with his 22 Twenty20 appearances. However, his relationship with the chairman was one of the reasons why the former captain was the last man out of seven players punished by the PCB to be cleared to play again.

“If I say sorry it’s not a big deal. I can’t fight with the chairman and I can’t fight with the board. Whatever I am is because of them.

“As far as my disciplinary record is concerned, I’ve never been fined and everyone knows me well.”

Fully fit to play

Younus, who led Peshawar Panthers in the recently-concluded Twenty20 Cup, said that he was ready to play after the long gap.

“When I was recalled for the Australian tour earlier this year, I went there after playing just one domestic match. Now I have played county cricket [for Surrey] and the Twenty20 cup, so I’m prepared for the international return mentally.”

Younus will form Pakistan’s backbone in the middle-order following the omission of Mohammad Yousuf for the limited-overs part of the series due to a side strain.

Pakistan plays its home series against South Africa in the UAE that comprises two Twenty20s, five ODIs and two Tests.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2010.