The senior cricketers in the national team are considering backing Younus officially over his ‘mistreatment’. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Younus Khan’s demotion to B category in the new central contracts has not only been condemned in general, but also by the selection committee members, barring Moin Khan and Mohammad Akram who were part of the process along with Zakir Khan.
Younus has played 89 Tests, 253 ODIs and 25 T20Is for Pakistan besides leading the country to the World Twenty20 title in 2009.
“Demoting Younus to B category is disrespectful after everything he has done for Pakistan cricket,” one of the selectors told The Express Tribune.
“Even if he has been playing in just one format [Tests] since the past year, he deserved the A category contract because of his seniority and services for Pakistan.
“Zakir has played two Tests and Akram has played only nine and were under-achievers. How can they take such a decision regarding Younus? The whole selection committee should have been involved in the process.”
Meanwhile, another selector stated that Akram is trying to promote his favourite players, with Umar Amin the prime example after he was inducted late in the training camp. The selector termed the inclusion a ‘camouflage’ process in which, according to him, the names of three other players were also announced to avoid criticism.
“There were serious reservations against Amin, but Akram was pushing for his inclusion and now he has got the contract,” explained the official.
He added that both Azhar Ali and Sarfaraz Ahmed deserved to be given better contracts after their heroics against Sri Lanka, when they helped Pakistan win their last Test with a record run-chase.
Senior players embarrassed with Younus treatment
Some of the senior members of the national team admitted that they feel ‘embarrassed’ with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) treatment of Younus, and added that they may officially declare their reservations to the board.
“We feel embarrassed over Younus’ demotion despite being a top performer and the fittest athlete of the [recently concluded] training camp,” said one of the seniors. “The PCB should reconsider his contract because he deserves better treatment.”
Meanwhile, the PCB announced central contracts for 22 players of the women’s team with Sana Mir, Bismah Maroof, Nain Abidi, Sadia Yousaf, Nida Rashid, Batool Fatima, Asmavia Iqbal and Javeria Wadood forming the A category, while Nahida Khan, Qanita Jalil and Sumaiya Siddiqui were put in the B tier.
The C category consists of Jaweria Rauf, Sania Iqbal, Marina Iqbal and Sidra Amin while D includes Rabiya Shah, Anum Amin, Iram Javed, Diana Baig, Kanwal Francis, Naila Nazir and Fareeha Mahmood.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 7th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (18)
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Younus should be given "A" category and made captain for 2015 world cup.
I think the ones who took the decision became slaves of the formula they formulated on their own and then very HONESTLY rather stupidly implemented it. It is always important to keep in view the past contributions, conduct, future potential and seniority. I think they ignored all these and just followed the 'mathematical formula'. Cricket management is more than mathematics.
Remove the trash committee instead Younus relinquish playing for Pakistan he is undoubtedly the biggest name in the cricket as far as among the playing one are concerned, it is begged not to make Pakistan cricket team as National Hockey team out of the world cup. "Apni Man Mani kay chkkar main qom ka nuqsan na karo"
Younis Khan is one of the two world cup winning captains. He is an ex-captain and the senior most player with highest batting average among all other players. His recent form says three centuries (including a double hundred) in last 4 series.He is the fittest fielder and the safest catcher in slips. Isn't it a shame that Moin and his cronies of little stature are allowed to disrespect the legend. Or is it a case of Mr. Sethi being allergic to world cup winning Khans irrespective of their first name.
@Ahmed: very true,look at the audacity of like of Zakir Khan. What happened to all big talks by Moin to be honest promote talent etc.it looks like PCB is nothing but an organization of looters and plundereres.
@Ch. Allah Daad:
You just try to get the opportunity to express your hate for Afridi...You are the least concerned with what has been done with Yunus.Shame on you.
By the way ET, the picture you have posted of Younis Khan, shows your lack of sense. Replace it if you have some self respect left in you.
What else we can expect from PCB led by Najam Sethi and installed by Nawaz Sherief "Fools to the Core".
He brought World cup to Pakistan.. isn't that enough for his A category level.
It's the same you is khan who won t20 worldcup
if "pcb" cannot, because of its small mindedness, acknowledge the right position of one of the most prolific cricketer younus khan it is a shameful act on its part. we demand from this non representative body to immediately restore the rightful place of younus khan. disrespecting an honorable person when you are in authority is indicative of the petty minds of the people at the helms of affairs. YOUNUS KHAN we r with you. Allah will degrade persons who do injustice to others
Younus Khan is ten times better player than Shahid Afridi. The only problem is he does not know how to fool his fans.
I condemn this decision. Younus Khan is a Hero. And this is no way to treat a Hero!!!
what else you can expect from pcb. how the disrespectful PCB can give respect to a respected person. respect is a very precious gift don not expect it from cheap person.
This is indeed very shameful. PCB isnt doing anything which can improve its image but it for sure is doing enough to promote its negative image. Younis no doubt is a world class batsman and has served his country in a way which is appreciated by everyone both in and outside the country.
He hasnt played much lately and that too bcoz of PCB and its decisions. I strongly believe he should be given back his contract for good.
Pakistan is not a country for nice, honest, harmless people. If you are a crook, you will be well rewarded. If you are a Younis Khan, you will be demoted.
It is such a shame, if not for performance (which are plenty by the way) but for his seniority, character and the bright image Younis brings as a Pakistan representative, a top-tier contract should have been awarded. What message is this dysfunctional board trying to give to younger players by this anyway? And I don't like the look of Moin Khan in the setup.