“It all depends on if my team needs me”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Veteran Pakistan batsman Younis Khan has revealed that he may reconsider his decision to retire from international cricket if his country still needs his services.

Earlier this month, Younis announced that he would be bringing his illustrious career to an end after the ongoing three-Test series against the West Indies.

But, he is open to changing his mind if Pakistan still require him to keep playing for the national team.

“Yeah, I will think about it,” the 39-year-old, who is just 23 runs away from becoming the first Pakistani player to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, said. “It all depends on if my team needs me.

“If they request me or people want me then why not? But it all depends on my team.”

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who also confirmed that he will walk away from international cricket after the Test series against the West Indies, admitted that he had urged Younis to keep playing.

In his latest column for cricket.com.au, Misbah pointed out that Younis is still an instrumental part of the Test team and added that he can continue playing for another year or two.

“My personal feeling is that Pakistan still need Younis Khan and he can play for another year or two, but I’m not sure if others agree with me or not,” Misbah wrote. “I talked to him about it in Australia and told him that ‘you can play on’. Even though we have some very good youngsters in the team, the gap left by Younis’ absence will be difficult to fill.

“The Pakistan team will not just miss him as a batsman, they’ll also miss him as a mentor. He has been a terrific role model for everyone and it will be very tough to replace him.

“Every member of this team, including myself, has learnt a lot from him. He has changed our dressing room culture. If one wants to be successful in professional life, one only needs to regard Younis Khan’s organised and punctual lifestyle from breakfast to bed.”