Head up high: Younus Khan declines signing central contract
National team players to protest over former captain’s mistreatment.
According to an official close to Younus, the veteran batsman would rather play for Pakistan without rewarded the fee from the central contracts than lose his self-respect. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Former Pakistan captain Younus Khan has decided against signing the new central contract that sees him demoted to the B category. Those involved in the contract committee include chief selector Moin Khan, Mohammad Akram and Zakir Khan.
Younus has played 89 Tests, 253 ODIs and 25 T20Is for Pakistan, while leading the country to the 2009 World Twenty20 title. The Express Tribune has learnt that Younus feels disgruntled by the demotion and would rather play without any contract than to accept the current terms.
“Younus is really angry and disappointed about being given B category and has decided not to sign it,” said an official close to Younus.
“For him, the most important thing is his self-respect, and he is willing to play for Pakistan without getting remuneration from the central contracts.”
‘Committee was warned by PCB Chairman’
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has revealed that the contract committee was warned by chairman Najam Sethi that their decision would backfire.
“The first thing Sethi did when he was presented the contracts for approval was to point out Younus’ demotion to B category,” stated the official. “However, Moin, Akram and Zakir all stressed that it was the right move according to the new categorisation formula.
“For them, the next step should be to answer the critics since it was their decision.”
National team members show support
It has been also learnt that a revolt is already on the cards as several established and young players of the Pakistan team will forego signing their contracts in protest over Younus’ treatment.
One of the senior players has already conveyed these sentiments to Moin and Sethi while the rest will follow suit soon.
According to them, Younus deserves to be in A category for his services to Pakistan.
“Younus has always been a fighter all his life and has done so much for Pakistan,” said a senior player. “He deserves to get A category, even if he only plays Test cricket.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2014.
Former Pakistan captain Younus Khan has decided against signing the new central contract that sees him demoted to the B category. Those involved in the contract committee include chief selector Moin Khan, Mohammad Akram and Zakir Khan.
Younus has played 89 Tests, 253 ODIs and 25 T20Is for Pakistan, while leading the country to the 2009 World Twenty20 title. The Express Tribune has learnt that Younus feels disgruntled by the demotion and would rather play without any contract than to accept the current terms.
“Younus is really angry and disappointed about being given B category and has decided not to sign it,” said an official close to Younus.
“For him, the most important thing is his self-respect, and he is willing to play for Pakistan without getting remuneration from the central contracts.”
‘Committee was warned by PCB Chairman’
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official has revealed that the contract committee was warned by chairman Najam Sethi that their decision would backfire.
“The first thing Sethi did when he was presented the contracts for approval was to point out Younus’ demotion to B category,” stated the official. “However, Moin, Akram and Zakir all stressed that it was the right move according to the new categorisation formula.
“For them, the next step should be to answer the critics since it was their decision.”
National team members show support
It has been also learnt that a revolt is already on the cards as several established and young players of the Pakistan team will forego signing their contracts in protest over Younus’ treatment.
One of the senior players has already conveyed these sentiments to Moin and Sethi while the rest will follow suit soon.
According to them, Younus deserves to be in A category for his services to Pakistan.
“Younus has always been a fighter all his life and has done so much for Pakistan,” said a senior player. “He deserves to get A category, even if he only plays Test cricket.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2014.