Younus, Misbah need to call it a day: Asif Iqbal

Asif was of the view that the duo has served Pakistan well in the past but it was time for them to hang their boots

Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal broke his silence on cricketing matters on Monday and advised Younus Khan and Misbahul Haq to hang their boots after the defeat in second Test to make way for newcomers so a young side can be groomed.

Asif was of the view that the duo has served Pakistan well in the past but it was time that they called it a day.

"I think we need to stop trying to find excuses for every defeat we suffer. Cricket has changed and it is a young man's game now. I think the seniors must now step down and allow younger players a chance to establish themselves in international cricket," said Iqbal.

Asif, who has represented Pakistan in 58 Tests and 440 first class matches, was talking to a local television channel.

"I don't want to sound unkind to these two as they have done a lot and Younis by playing 100 Tests with an average of 53 has proven himself to be a world class performer. But I think now it is time for Pakistan cricket to think about future and change its mind set on how to play cricket," said Iqbal.

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He mentioned Sangakkara’s retirement stating that he is younger than Younus but still he has taken the hard decision.

"I think Sangakkara has set the right example. He knows when it is time to move on. His statement on not wanting to stay on to just to break records is thoughtful and indicates confidence in Sri Lankan cricket's young guns," he said.

Recently, Younus committed himself to break Javed Miandad’s record for most Test runs and Test centuries on his 100^th Test.

Asif also took Misbah to task on his statement about domestic cricket being the reason for the team’s failure.

"I didn't hear him say these things after Pakistan won the first Test. It is time to introduce younger players in the team. They bring in fresh incentive and a hunger for success.

“We already have suitable replacements why keep them waiting.

“The problem is once you have achieved as much as Younis and Misbah have done in Test cricket without realising it, your desire for success does subside," he said.

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He added that Pakistan have unearthed great players from the same domestic structure that is under so much criticism.

"We look into it too much. We won the World Cup, the T20 World Cup and became a top Test side with the same system why keep on blaming it all the time," he said.

He pointed out that England had recently done well against New Zealand by introducing new and young players.

"Pakistan needs to do the same now."