Pakistan cricket is once again in the spotlight. This time, the newly appointed captain Younis Khan has called it quits as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Younis has slated a “loss of command” over the team as the main reason for backing out.
Younis reported to the media on November 11, 2009 and said “I met the chairman today and told him I needed to rest, I told him I feel as If I have no command over the current team. And if a leadership has no command over its players, what is the point of continuing to lead?” Younis has decided to take a temporary break from the game having cited the above.
The Pakistani team was facing an internal conflict since the appointment of Younis as their captain. About 8 or 9 players were uncertain about the decision ability of Younis Khan. Pakistan has recently lost a 3-match ODI series against New Zealand which increases the players’ concern. Before that, the team has suffered a loss at the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand.
The current Twenty20 cricket captain, Shahid Afridi has expressed his disappointment on the decision. Younis Khan’s temporary retirement comes just before the team’s tour to New Zealand due in November 2009. Geo Tv featured Afridi quoting, “He was having problems but I don’t think he should have taken the decision to skip the tour. He should have played on because the captain is the central figure in a team.” Afridi has always been in support of Younis Khan but was disappointed on learning about his recent decision. Currently, Mohammad Yousuf has been named the captain of the Pakistan cricket team. The team is expected to play their first match of the Twenty20 series against New Zealand on November 12, 2009 at Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, New Zealand.