Former Pakistan skipper and batting mainstay Younis Khan has praised the efforts of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in general, and the newly-appointed chairman Najam Sethi in particular, for smoothly conducting the ICC-led World XI’s five-day tour to Pakistan.
The prolific Test batsman Younis has backed Sethi for his rigorous work to convince major players for playing at country’s iconic stadium in Lahore.
“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,” Younis was quoted as saying by The Nation.
The composed cricketer Younis stressed the 14-member team of World XI-led by Faf du Plessis is more of a stepping stone for the resumption of elite-level cricket in the county.
“Everyone played his role very well. This World XI tour is benchmark and I am damn sure now the ICC would seriously take Pakistan case and in near future, more international teams will tour Pakistan,” Younis reiterated.
Younis revealed the visitors have shown great courage to fly Pakistan, as the love for gentleman’s game reached a new high, adding the tour was not only about the staggering tournament fee for the players.
However, the talented batsman Younis admitted the fact that players’ priority would be their safety, before settling for luring contracts.
“As professional cricketers, I know, we must ensure safety first,” Younis maintained.
Younis reiterated the citizens of Pakistan are indebted to the World XI squad for showing faith in embattled country’s administration and security apparatus.
Also, Younis revealed the visiting players included top-notch cricketers, and well-known stars, who are concurrently participating in the domestic cricket with pride.
“No one can say that the touring World XI players were retired or unknown, instead they were mega stars and world-famed players,” Younis remarked.
Younis, who led Pakistan in 2009 World Cup against Sri Lanka, always stated he had put country ahead of personal milestones while considering his team’s goal.
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Interestingly, Younis also lauded PCB for conducting the farewell of former two skippers including Misbah-Ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi during the final match of the three-match Twenty20 series at Gaddafi ground.
“Both the 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,” Younis said.
While being paraded on the multi-colored auto-rickshaws Misbah and Afridi were given the lap of honor during the innings break on September 15, before the hosts led by Sarfraz Ahmed clinched the World Series 2-1 when they wrapped the decided by 33 runs.
In the second most populous city Lahore, all three T20 international matches were played at Gaddafi Stadium which further saw former Pakistani players alongside fans celebrated the return of major cricketing activity in the country after two years when Zimbabwe tour for the limited-overs contest.
“I can assure all that Pakistanis are highly peace-loving nation and we know how to pay back when it comes to our turn,” Younis concluded.
The 39-year-old batsman Younis announced his retirement from international cricket before completing the three-match Test series on the Caribbean soil and has eventually vowed to support Pakistan cricket in whatever way possible.