Shahryar Khan disappointed with Younus’ retirement from ODIs

PCB chairman says he is surprised by veteran's sudden departure from the ODIs


Sports Desk November 12, 2015
Younus Khan. PHOTO: AFP

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan criticised veteran Younus Khan’s decision to retire from ODIs hours before the first 50-over match against England in the UAE.

Younus made the shock announcement on the morning of the first ODI against England at Abu Dhabi. It was going to be his first match after being recalled into the ODI squad after dismal performance in the World Cup.

The 37-year-old was caught at mid-on after scoring nine runs off Reece Topley as Pakistan were chasing 217.

Younus Khan retires from one-day international cricket

"I am disappointed at not only his decision to retire from ODIs but also the timing of his decision," Shahryar was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India.

"Younus has been doing well and that is why the selectors felt he should be played again in the one-day matches. For me it is surprising he announced his retirement today."

Shahryar said that they would send a suitable replacement for Younus Khan who has scored 7249 runs for Pakistan in 265 ODIs at an average of 31.24 with seven tons to his name.

PCB, former cricketers reel following Younus’ decision

Pakistan’s chief selector Haroon Rasheed also expressed his confusion at Younus’ actions.

"When I went to Sharjah to meet with the team management and I also talked to Younus, he gave me no indication he was planning to retire from ODIs after the first match of the series," said Haroon.

"We picked him keeping in mind that we needed an experienced batsman in the middle order to stabilise the batting. We picked him keeping in mind our future assignments. He never discussed this retirement thing with us."

"The team will remain balanced but at no stage did Younus convey any desire to us he wanted to retire," he added.

Younus Khan reveals his secret formula to success

Former Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan presented a new theory that head coach Waqar Younis’ reluctance to bring Younus back in the ODI squad must have played its part in the final decision.

"It makes no sense that after being picked for the full series in the one-day squad after such a big gap he should decide to retire after playing the first match. Definitely I think something has happened in the last 48 or 24 hours to have upset Younus who is very sensitive and a self-respecting individual," Mohsin told a local TV channel.

"I think the job of the captain, manager and coach is to not only motivate the players but also make them feel comfortable and wanted. I think in Younus's case this didn't happen and no one tried to speak to him to find out his feelings."

The story originally appeared on ESPNcricinfo

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