Younis Khan believes that the World XI series was a crucial step in bringing international cricket back to Pakistan
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Former Pakistan batsman Younis Khan has lauded the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for doing everything in their power to ensure the recent Twenty20 series against the World XI went off without a hitch.
The PCB are desperate to bring international cricket back to the country as Zimbabwe have been the only Full Member nation to visit since Sri Lanka’s team bus was attacked by militants in March 2009.
With the three-match series against the World XI going smoothly, Younis feels that the PCB have helped Pakistan take a giant step towards hosting international teams once again.
“No one can say that the touring World XI players were retired or unknown, instead they were mega stars and world-famed players who are playing top class cricket for their respective countries,” Younis told The Nation. “I must say that Pakistanis must be thankful to each and every player, who represented the World XI, as it was not about earning big money or playing normal cricket, but it was about the respect and sheer love for Pakistan cricket, which persuaded them to visit Pakistan.”
Younis also admitted that the PCB did an excellent job in ensuring all the World XI players were well protected throughout the series in Lahore. The World XI squad was guaranteed presidential level security, and the PCB followed through on their promise.
“I can assure all that Pakistanis are highly peace-loving [people] and we know how to pay back when it comes to our turn,” the 40-year-old said. “In the past too, we had helped the countries and toured them when nobody was ready to take even small risks. We toured Sri Lanka when they were on dire strides.
“As professional cricketers, I know we must ensure safety first, but the way the PCB chairman himself received each and every visiting player and official, was more than enough to show our commitment and how seriously we regarded the touring players.”
While Pakistan won the series 2-1, Younis insisted that cricket was the ultimate winner as Pakistan fans all over the world got the opportunity to see a plethora of high-profile players take part in a tournament in the country.
“Pakistani fans were long suffering and waiting for international cricket to make return to this part of the world,” he said. “The way the masses from all ages turned up towards the stadium and the way they supported the World XI, was more than enough to prove that Pakistanis are true professionals and sports lovers and enjoy cricket without being biased.
“I can easily claim that I have witnessed more World XI support than home team, as people wanted the World XI to win rather than home team, which was never witnessed in the history of any sport. Every host nation enjoys overwhelming home support and fans are always behind their team, but the situation in Lahore was totally different.”
The Mardan native also praised the PCB for giving former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi a lap of honour during the third Twenty20 International.
“Both cricketers have done wonders for Pakistan and cricket. I am very happy for both of them and it was a good example set by the PCB,” he said.
Younis retired from international cricket in May this year, but when asked whether the PCB will give him a formal farewell, he said: “When the time will come, I will get the same treatment. I have always put the country ahead of personal glories. I always helped my country register crucial victories and performed to the best of my abilities.
“PCB chairman Najam Sethi and I have had conversations and the relation is based on mutual respect. I always want Pakistan cricket to move forward and some day in near future, I would be happy to contribute. I don’t need a specific role or post to help Pakistan and cricket.”