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Is beating Australia in the backyard looms a big hurdle?

Pakistan cricket team led by Mohammad Yousuf is on the 52-day tour of Australia to play three Test matches, five One-day Internationals and the only Twenty20 International. The team has recently held its three-Test series to 1-1 draw after being beaten in the three-match ODI series. The Pakistan squad contains its share of precocious talent - batsman Umar Akmal is 19 years old with a Test batting average of 63, while 17-year-old fast bowler Mohammad Aamer hopes to one day emulate his hero, Wasim Akram - but beating Australia in their backyard looms a big hurdle. In an era where everything must go right for touring teams to upset Australia at home - South Africa last season broke the trend through brilliant batting, Graeme Smith's inspirational leadership and Dale Steyn's fast bowling - Pakistan's recent cricketing history has been marked by upheaval. The series against Australia will be just the fourth Pakistan have played anywhere in the past two years, which is encouraging if the best way of building a strong team is through regular internationals. But Australia has not been a happy venue for Pakistan, who have won only four of 29 Tests on these shores. Australia have whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 in the past three series, won 10 of their past 12 matches and have not been beaten since 1995, when a bowling attack comprising Akram, Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed won a dead rubber in Sydney. The squad of 2009 contains a class spinner in Danish Kaneria, now fourth on the list of his country's wicket takers, and some promising pacemen in Aamer, Mohammad Asif - back bowling well after doping issues in 2008 - Umar Gul, who played with Western Australia in last summer's domestic Twenty20 competition and Mohammad Sami, recalled after a long absence. The bowlers generally impressed in the recent drawn series in New Zealand, where Asif took nine wickets in the second-Test win and Kaneria seven in in the drawn third. The quicks are virtually untried in Tests on Australian pitches, although some respected judges have liked what they have seen. Captain Mohammad Yousuf admits bowling is his side's strength, and that the batting and fielding must improve. The Pakistan batsmen will at least feel a bit more comfortable at the MCG, SCG (second Test, starting January 3) and Bellerive Oval (third, starting January 14) than they would at the bouncy WACA Ground or Australia's Gabba fortress. But aside from Yousuf, who boasts a career average of 54 from 85 matches, the tourists lack an established world-class batsmen, and even the skipper's numbers are well down against Australia (29.60). Openers Imran Farhat and Salman Butt were here in 2004-05, but apart from the latter's 108 in the last Test, have struggled against Australia's quicks. Middle-order options Misbah-ul-Haq, Faisal Iqbal, Shoaib Malik and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal all average under 24 against Ricky Ponting's side. Umar Akmal is the exception among the mediocre figures, as he marked his entry into Test cricket with a hundred and three half-centuries in the series against the Black Caps. Younus Khan provides the possible assurance in the batting to help Yousuf if drafted into the touring squad, as he is about to resume playing at home after a tumultuous past few months. Younus led Pakistan to the Twenty20 world title in England in June, but offered to quit the captaincy when accused of match fixing by a Pakistan politician after the Champions Trophy tournament in October (he was cleared of any wrongdoing by his Board). He eventually stood down as skipper after the one-day series against New Zealand in November, when he claimed he no longer had the support of the team. Colourful and unpredictable, yes. But unless the likes of Umar Amkal, Asif or Aamer emerge as superstars over the next month, it is difficult to envisage the world's sixth-ranked side beating Australia at home.

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Younis Khan confirms plans for comeback

Younis Khan has confirmed that he would return to action next week after taking a break from international cricket. “I will definitely play for my country again as it is always an honour to play in national colours,” Younis said on Friday. “I will return to action in a couple of days,” said the middle-order batsman, who is set to lead Habib Bank Limited (HBL) in the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy — Pakistan’s premier domestic tournament — starting in Karachi from December 21. He has also shown an interest in featuring in the Pentangular Cup, getting underway from January 1. Younis opted out of the Test tour of New Zealand after leading Pakistan to a disappointing 1-2 defeat in the one-day series against the Kiwis in Abu Dhabi last month. He was later overlooked for the Test series against Australia, but national selectors are now considering the idea of recalling Younis for the one-day series against Australia. Younis also showered praise on Mohammad Yousuf, the man who replaced him as Pakistan captain, for his performance in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. Yousuf, who was named captain only for the Test series against New Zealand, was later asked to lead Pakistan in Australia as well. “Yousuf did a great job as a captain in New Zealand and he was also looking more responsible as a senior batsman,” Younis said.

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Jansher on bleak squash future says only professionals can raise squash standard

Former player Jansher Khan sees a bleak future for squash in the country unless the Pakistan Squash Federation utilises services of former greats. ‘It’s quite unfortunate that the country, which ruled the game for decades in the past, has no player even in the top 20 now,’ Jansher said on Saturday. ‘But it does not mean that there is scarcity of talent. I am confident that the guys we have at present can be as great as we were in the past. But what they lack is proper coaching, guidance and provision of facilities,’ he added. Referring to Egypt, he said that they had four to five players in top seedings and that was mainly because they were taking advantage from the services of their former players. ‘We are fortunate enough to have the likes of Jahangir Khan, Qamar Zaman, Mohibullah and Gogi Alauddin, who are internationally regarded as squash legends. They have a very rich history, but unfortunately their services are not being utilised,’ he said. To a question Jansher said he was also ready to disseminate his skills to youngsters. ‘I have been made several offers from other countries to train their boys, but so far I have rejected all these. I want to serve my own country and wish to see it at the same height where it was in the past,’ he added. Jansher, who won the World Open for a record eight times and the British Open for six times, said he would be a proud man if someone in the country excelled in the game due to his guidance. ‘Squash gave me respect and it hurts when I see Pakistan squash on the decline,’ he said. He advised the squash federation to seek guidance from any player of its choice if it did not want his (Jansher’s) services. He noted Pakistan was the only country, which produced seven world champions and there could be many more if the affairs of the game were handed over to professionals. Jansher said his nine-year-old son, Ali Sher Khan, had great talent and interest for the game and would be a true professional in the future.

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Pakistan on way to lift Champions Challenge Cup, as it crushes archrival India in semi

Pakistan hockey team crushed archrival India by 6-3 in the semi-final encounter of Champions Challenge Cup, thus qualifying for final to be played with New Zealand, Geo News reported. Rehan Butt scored 3, Sohail Abbas 2 and Haseem Khan added one goal to Pakistan score as Pakistan managed to take lead in the 3ed minute of the first half – thanks to Rehan Butt, but it was equalized soon in the 8th minute, when Indian team took the advantage of penalty corner. Rehan Butt and Sohail Abbas again brought Pakistan on the driving seat with back-to-back goals in 29th and 32nd minute of the match taking lead to 3-1 at the close of first half. The beginning of the second half was too lucky for Pakistan as the team succeeded to make two more goals and took the lead to 5-1, but late India got momentum, scoring two more goals and reducing Pakistan lead to 5-3. At the dying moments of the match, it was the penalty corner specialist – Sohail Abbas, who added one more goal on the penalty stroke, which remained decisive until the match was finished. The final event of the tournament will be played between Pakistan and New Zealand hockey teams.

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Pakistan’s bowling attacks brighten its chances of winning series against Kiwis

Pakistan thrashed New Zealand by 141 runs in second cricket Test match to level the series by 1-1 here at Wellington on Sunday, Geo news reported. New Zealand was all-out for 263 runs in their second innings falling short of 141 runs of 405-run target. Muhammad Asif claimed five wickets in second innings, 9 wickets in match and was awarded man of the match. New Zealand, chasing an unlikely 405 to win, were bowled out for 263, Mohammad Asif doing most of the damage with 5-67. Pakistan, who lost the first Test by 32 runs, led by 165 in the first innings in this Test after bowling New Zealand out for 99. But they then teased the home side with their own batting collapses before reasserting control of the second Test on day three yesterday. Their second innings folded between lunch and tea for 239 - seven wickets toppled for 42 runs - although it barely offered a glimmer of hope to a New Zealand side who managed only 99 in their first innings. The Kiwis were left chasing 405 to win and by stumps were 3-70, still 335 adrift. The only consolation was Ross Taylor's continued presence at the crease. Taylor was not out 15 and Peter Fulton has 12, although both had lives on 13 and three respectively as Pakistan's catching woes continue. With two days remaining, yet again the exploits of a weary bowling attack - deprived of first-Test hero Shane Bond - appear destined to go unrewarded. Chris Martin and Iain O'Brien added four wicket hauls to Daryl Tuffey and Daniel Vettori's identical returns in the first innings. Martin improved from 0-44 to 4-52 as Pakistan deteriorated, O'Brien bristled with aggression throughout to record four for 66 - sterling service considering the duo barely had their feet up between bowling assignments after New Zealand's first innings lasted only 36.5 overs. Medium pacer Grant Elliott also made a belated and inspired arrival in the 72nd over, having Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal caught behind with his fifth and sixth deliveries. Martin also found himself on a hat-trick with the second new ball by ending captain Mohammad Yousuf's stout resistance after a failed leg before wicket appeal was overturned. Tailender Danish Kaneria then snicked to Taylor at slip. Yousuf produced the only bedrock innings of the day -- and one New Zealand's remaining batsmen will need to emulate if Friday's third test in Napier is not to be a decider. Yousuf took his time making 83 from 200 deliveries, a top score and 30th test fifty made between the 17th and 86th overs. With the benefit of a 229-run advantage when play began, Yousuf and Misbah-ul-Haq were in no hurry. Since combining late yesterday they added 77 for the third wicket in 35 overs at a snail paced 2.20 runs per over. O'Brien was instrumental in accelerating Pakistan's scoring rate. Misbah's demise caught at the wicket for 33 was the catalyst for the continuation of Umar Akmal's stunning debut series. Only five boundaries were recorded in the 23 overs before the 19-year-old arrived and instantly set about mangling Daniel Vettori's figures. The New Zealand captain conceded just 21 runs from his first 17 overs; Umar then proceeded to crack 27 from Vettori's next four through a trio of boundaries, brace of sixes and three singles. Umar passed fifty for the third time in his four-test career in just 32 balls though his audacity got the better of him a ball later when a lofted drive was collected by Vettori retreating at deep mid-off. He thudded his pad in disgust but still has the consolation of 302 runs in the series at 75.50. The third Test starts on Friday in Napier.

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Pakistan superbly placed to level the series

It's a venue that Pakistan's bowlers have enjoyed more than those from any other side over the last two decades, and they celebrated the Basin Reserve's fiftieth Test in fitting style, destroying New Zealand's top order with another clinical performance that left them superbly placed to level the series. After extending their first innings to 264, thanks largely to Kamran Akmal's enterprising 70, the bowlers immediately got down to business, exploiting the conditions and the huge flaws in the techniques of the New Zealand batsmen, bundling them out for 99 and taking their overall lead to 229 by stumps. Save for a brief four-over period when New Zealand took the last three Pakistan wickets and a spell just before close of play, the day belonged entirely to the visitors. Mohammad Aamer did his now customary trick of taking a wicket in his first over - is he the new first-over specialist after Daryl Tuffey - and consistently bowled in the mid-140s, Mohammad Asif operated in his usual channel around off and seamed the ball both ways, Umar Gul was the perfect first-change bowler offering New Zealand no respite, while Danish Kaneria befuddled the lower order with his bag of tricks. While the four-pronged bowling attack gave little away, New Zealand put in yet another shamble batting display, as their poor defensive techniques and shot selection were ruthlessly exposed. None of their batsmen came to terms with the ball seaming around in both directions, and they made it worse for themselves with some poor stroke-play. None was guiltier than Brendon McCullum, who chased his first ball - a wide one - and edged to second slip when New Zealand had already lost five wickets with little on the board. From the moment Aamer started his first over, it was clear, New Zealand would have their hands full. His fourth ball to Guptill swung back and rapped him on the pads; the next one left him, clipped the edge, and New Zealand's opening pair had failed to last the first over for the third time in three innings. That was one of two overs Pakistan bowled before lunch and the slide continued after the break. Asif flummoxed Tim McIntosh and forced an inside edge to short leg, and should have had Daniel Flynn in similar fashion had Salman Butt not dropped a regulation catch. Ross Taylor was the only batsman to play with confidence - he raced to 30 from 40 balls, showing decisive footwork and driving confidently through the off side off the fast bowlers. His judgment failed him, though, when Gul slipped in an in-dipper that took the off stump after Taylor left it alone. Peter Fulton was a walking wicket once again, shuffling indecisively to a straight and full one on the stumps, but New Zealand really crumbled after tea, going from 85 for 4 to 99 all out in the space of six overs. It's a fate that has often befallen New Zealand sides of the past against Pakistan, and this time it was Asif who started the slide. Vettori was, for once, unable to lead another rearguard effort as Kaneria snuffed out the tail in a trice. More than just the three wickets he got, what would have worried Vetorri was the amount of turn he extracted from the second-day pitch.

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Will Pakistan return from Argentine winning Champions Challenge Cup?

The national hockey team squad, comprising 18 members, led by captain, Zeeshan Ashraf has departed for Argentine to partake Champions Challenge Cup-I, Geo News reported Sunday. National players flew to Dubai at 3 A.M. on a flight of a private airline from Allama Iqbal international airport and they will leave for Argentine through to Brazil from Dubai. Before departure, coach Shahid Ali Khan and captain Zeeshan Ashraf told media they are hopeful of winning tournament. Earlier, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Monday named an 18-member squad that will take part in the Champions Challenge-I Hockey Tournament to be held from December 6 to 13 in Salta, Argentina. The competition will be participated by eight teams divided into two pools. Pool A comprises of Belgium, China, India and New Zealand while Pakistan, hosts Argentina, South Africa and Canada are in Pool B. The announced outfit has two new faces in Umar Bhutta and Mohammad Rizwan, who have replaced forwards Shafqat Rasool and Abbas Haider. The team was selected after one day trials held at the Lahore National Hockey Stadium. Addressing a news conference, chief selector Hassan Sardar said the selectors were following a policy to select only those players who were enjoying prime fitness and form. “ Once Shafqat and Abbas regain form they will be considered for coming events.” He said Champions Challenge Cup would be a test of the team to determine their progress and to qualify for next year’s Champions Trophy. “It will be a tough assignment for our team who have the talent to win it and qualify for the elite Champions Trophy,” he maintained. Pakistan recently qualified for the World Cup 2010, to be held in New Delhi, India after winning a six-team competition in Lille, France. Pakistan, winners of three Olympic gold medals, failed to earn a place in the World Cup when they were defeated in the Asia Cup 2009 final. The green shirts, who remained up in the clouds for more than three decades and were record four times world champions, have been striving hard for a big title since winning the 1994 World Cup in Australia. Squad: Salman Akbar and Nasir Ahmad (goalkeepers), Zeeshan Ashraf (captain), Sohail Abbas and Muhammad Imran (full-backs), Waseem Ahmad, Sajjad Anwar, Fareed Ahmad, Muhammad Irfan and Muhammad Rashid (Halve-backs), Shakeel Abbasi, Muhammad Zubair, Muhammad Zubair, Rehan Butt, Abdul Haseem Khan, Akhtar Ali, Omar Bhutta and Mohammad Rizwan (Forwards).

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First Test against New Zealand: Pakistan look to unleash potent bowling attack

Pakistan and New Zealand start round two of their disrupted cricket series in Dunedin on Tuesday (tomorrow) searching for respectability amid a background of upheaval. The world’s sixth and seventh ranked sides are two of the sport’s most prominent underachievers, the result of mixing remarkable successes with spectacular collapses. Both teams enter this three-Test series, following the one-day series in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, wrestling with internal leadership crises and with parallel strengths and weaknesses. For the first Test starting on Tuesday, both sides have strong bowling armouries, which will relish attacking batting line ups that have struggled in recent series to consistently control the middle for more than four sessions. New Zealand are without a coach, entrusting both on-field leadership and off-field planning to captain Daniel Vettori after player criticism forced the resignation last month of coach Andy Moles. Pakistan, meanwhile, have seen captain Younis Khan drop out of the tour over dissatisfaction with performances in the one-day series in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. Reports also indicate coach Intikhab Alam is under pressure. The Tests in New Zealand follow the one-day series in the United Arab Emirates, which New Zealand won 2-1, and the Twenty20 series won by Pakistan 2-0. Even without home track advantage, Pakistan still believe their bowling attack including Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif can make life a misery for New Zealand. “We have a bowling attack that can get 20 wickets,” said coach Intikhab Alam, while conceding that batting “will be a big challenge.” Much will depend on stand-in captain Mohammad Yousuf, who boasts a Test average of 54.86 from 82 Tests. New Zealand’s inconsistent batting reputation has been further hampered by the loss of Jesse Ryder through injury and Jacob Oram retiring from Test play. Peter Fulton and Grant Elliott have been recalled to fill the batting void, but neither has set the world alight previously. Shane Bond returns from two years in the cricket wilderness to share the new ball with Chris Martin. Daryl Tuffey, who like Bond has been playing in the renegade Indian Cricket League, is likely to head Iain O’Brien as the third seamer given his record of 24 wickets in six Tests against Pakistan. Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Yousuf (captain) Salman Butt, Khurrum Manzoor, Imran Farhat, Shoaib Malik, Fawad Alam, Faisal Iqbal, Kamran Akmal, Danish Kaneria, Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Arafat, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamir, Abdur Rauf, Umer Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed. New Zealand Squad: Daniel Vettori (captain), Tim McIntosh, Martin Guptill, Daniel Flynn, Ross Taylor, Peter Fulton, Grant Elliott, Brendon McCullum, Shane Bond, Iain O’Brien, Daryl Tuffey, Chris Martin, Jeetan Patel.

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Pak squad off to New Zealand, Inti wants improved batting

Coach Intikhab Alam identified batting as the key area for improvement as a 17-member Pakistan squad minus Younis Khan flew to New Zealand early on Sunday to play a three-match Test series. Younis opted to sit out the New Zealand tour and hand the captaincy to Mohammad Yousuf after his side’s one-day series defeat in Abu Dhabi last week, saying he wanted to rest after suffering poor batting form. Yet it was not only he, the batsmen faltering badly in the one-day series that New Zealand won 2-1. Pakistan won the two-match Twenty20 series 2-0 on Friday. “Our batting must click and show improvement because it will be tough to switch from one-day and Twenty20,” Alam told. “Our bowling has the capacity to bowl New Zealand out twice, but we must put runs on the board first.” Alam, who took over as coach after Australian Geoff Lawson was sacked in October last year, said Younis’s absence was a blow, but appeared to harbour no bitterness. “Naturally, Younis is a senior batsman and although he had a poor batting form, he is a world class player, who can come good any time, but you miss players through injuries as well and Younis’s replacement will have a chance to prove his worth. “Batsmen will have to show temperament because you need to stay longer at the wicket, which is the real test of a batsman.” Pakistan open the tour with a three-day game against a New Zealand invitational XI at Queenstown from Wednesday before the first Test starts at Dunedin from November 24. Alam said conditions in New Zealand would also test his players. “It is an early start to the season and conditions will be tough because the weather will be very cold, but I hope all the players show professionalism and adjust to the conditions,” said Alam, a former captain. The three-Test series, like the limited-overs series played in the United Arab Emirates, was scheduled for Pakistan, but had to be relocated after New Zealand refused to tour over security fears. Alam said New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori would be key for the home team. “Vettori is a seasoned player and we have to play him well, without giving him too many wickets. “But if New Zealand prepares wickets conducive to spin, then we too have quality spinners in Saeed Ajmal and Danish Kaneria,” said Alam, a leg-spinner in his playing days. After the New Zealand tour, Pakistan will move to Australia to play three Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20. Squad: Salman Butt, Khurrum Manzoor, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Yousuf (captain), Shoaib Malik, Fawad Alam, Faisal Iqbal, Kamran Akmal (wicket-keeper), Danish Kaneria, Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Arafat, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamir, Abdur Rauf, Umer Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmad.

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Pakistan wins the second Twenty20, taking the two-match series 2-0

Pakistan overcame a late order flurry from New Zealand to win the second Twenty20 international by seven runs at Dubai Stadium on Friday, taking the two-match series 2-0. Teenager Umer Akmal lifted Pakistan to 153-5 before they survived a late charge by Brendon McCullum (47) and Scott Styris (43) to maintain their 100-per cent record against New Zealand. Pakistan, who won the first match by 49 runs on Thursday, has now won all four Twenty20 matches against the Black Caps. McCullum and Styris kept New Zealand in the hunt during a 66-run partnership as New Zealand needed 51 off the last five overs and 38 in the last three. But once big-hitting McCullum holed out to off-spinner Saeed Ajmal in the 19th over, New Zealand's task of making 18 in the last over proved too difficult. McCullum hit three fours and six off 41 balls. Paceman Umar Gul dismissed Styris off the last ball to finish with 2-29. Styris's 33-ball knock had two fours and as many sixes. Styris and McCullum repaired the innings after New Zealand were 66-3 after 11 overs. BJ Watling (seven), Martin Guptill (17) and Ross Taylor (13) fell in quick succession as Pakistan kept the pressure on from the start. Earlier, Pakistan were lifted by Umer Akmal's maiden half-century, which kept his team in the hunt for a good total despite paceman Ian Butler's 3-28. Akmal, whose 49-ball knock included five boundaries and a six, added 45 for the third wicket with captain Shahid Afridi (22) after Pakistan lost the quick wickets of Imran Nazir (19) and Kamran Akmal (26) to Butler. Butler then dismissed Shoaib Malik (seven) and James Franklin captured Abdul Razzaq (nought) before Umer and Fawad Alam (17 not out) added a quickfire 39 for the fifth wicket. Nazir and Akmal gave Pakistan a robust start of 40 with Nazir hitting three fours and six, while Kamran hit four boundaries and a six before New Zealand's bowlers slammed on the brakes.

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How Pakistan squads expected to show up in their upcoming series against Kiwis?

Pakistan have dropped senior batsman Misbah-ul-Haq from the squad to play New Zealand and recalled opener Imran Farhat after nearly three years out of the team. Pakistan are scheduled to play four one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches against the Kiwis in Abu Dhabi and Dubai before travelling to New Zealand for a Test series. "We have decided to give Misbah a rest and he will be considered for the tour of Australia and can concentrate on playing domestic cricket," chief selector Iqbal Qasim said while announcing the team. It is the first time Misbah has been dropped since he returned to the national team before the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007, while Farhat last played for Pakistan in 2007. "We have problems with finding a reliable opening pair and we have decided to give Farhat another chance," Qasim said. Fast bowler Mohammad Asif, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, openers Salman Butt and Khalid Latif have also been recalled. Pakistan one-day squad for series in Abu Dhabi and Dubai: Younus Khan (captain), Shahid Afridi, Salman Butt Imran Farhat, Khalid Latif, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Rana Naved, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Muhammad Aamer, Rao Iftikhar, Wahab Riaz. Twenty20 squad: Shahid Afridi (captain), Khalid Latif, Imran Nazir, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Rana Naved, Umar Gul, Muhammad Aamer, Rao Iftikhar, Saeed Ajmal, Imran Farhat, Fawad Alam, Sohail Tanvir Test squad: Younus Khan (captain), Salman Butt, Khurrum Manzoor, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik, Fawad Alam, Faisal Iqbal, Kamran Akmal, Danish Kaneria, Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Arafat, Umar Gul, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Aamer, Abdul Rauf, Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed.

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Younis to stay skipper till World Cup 2011

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected Younis Khan’s resignation and appointed him skipper of the national team until the 2011 World Cup, provided he remains fit till then. “He will continue as captain until the World Cup in 2011, if he stays fit,” PCB chairman Ijaz Butt told reporters after a PCB governing council meeting here on Monday. “With so many performances this year do you think he should be changed?” he asked, pointing to Pakistan’s Twenty20 World Cup triumph in England, victory over India and reaching the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa. Upset and annoyed Younis submitted his resignation during a hearing of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports in Islamabad last week. The hearing was convened after committee chairman Jamshed Dasti accused the Pakistan team of tanking matches against Australia and New Zealand ‘on purpose’. Dasti said he would investigate reports that Pakistan had deliberately under-performed against Australia and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy that concluded on October 5. Dasti later denied making match-fixing allegations and said his remarks had been misunderstood. Ijaz, however, rejected the resignation and opted to meet Younis privately instead, in a bid to change his mind. It is believed that at the meeting Younis laid down conditions which had to be accepted before he could return: he wanted to streamline the selection process, an assurance of a lengthier tenure than just on a series-by-series basis, and also changes in the team management. Pakistan cricket was also abuzz with stories that some senior players were against Younis, who, they believe, had become arrogant and behaved like a dictator. Though Ijaz did not speak of any such conditions or stories of players revolt against Younis, he was unequivocal in his support for Younis. “When I first appointed him in January 2009, there was no tenure for his captaincy but obviously sometimes security is needed. He is definitely our captain till the 2011 World Cup provided he remains fit. His performance has been excellent, he is fit, he has won a World Cup and as long as the selectors keep picking him, he is our choice as captain.” Though Younis could not be reached for comment, Ijaz said Younis had agreed to take up the captaincy once again.

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Younis’s resignation—yet another controversy to badly hit the team spirit

Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan offered to resign on Tuesday in protest at a meeting called to investigate the team’s defeats by Australia and New Zealand in the recent Champions Trophy. The 31-year-old said he was appalled and disappointed at being summoned by the Pakistan National Assembly’s committee on sports. “I tender my resignation and if captains are summoned like this, no one will be eager to lead the Pakistan team,” Younis said at the start of the meeting. “I have resigned as a captain,” he later told reporters. “I won’t say a word more.” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Ijaz Butt has rejected the initial offer of Yunus’s resignation. “It’s an emotional decision and I reject it,” Butt said during the meeting, but Younis stuck to his guns. “I had absolutely no idea that he had the resignation letter in his jacket and I was surprised when he produced it,” said Butt. “The matter will be discussed at a governing board meeting on October 19.” Pakistan’s close, one-wicket loss to Australia in a group match last month and their defeat by New Zealand in the semifinal earlier this month sparked allegations from a lawmaker that the team threw the matches. Australia won the tournament, which was held in South Africa. Jamshed Dasti, chairman of the sports committee, alleged last week that Pakistan deliberately lost the match against Australia, a result, which threw archrivals India out of the Champions Trophy. Australia’s win sent them and Pakistan into the semifinals, while India was eliminated in the first round. Dasti later withdrew his allegations, which the PCB had already rejected, but Younis defended his performance and said he felt disappointed at being summoned for investigation. “I set an example and led the team from the front in spite of having an injured finger,” said Younis, who suffered the injury during a warm-up match and had to miss the Champions Trophy’s opening match against the West Indies. He then played in Pakistan’s 58-run win against India and also featured in the match against Australia and New Zealand. Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam said Younis’s decision to resign was a knee-jerk reaction to the allegations. “Naturally, Younis got emotional and resigned, but there has been no decision taken by the PCB,” Alam told. “The fixing allegations were first raised by Indian media, which were shameful and unacceptable.” Dasti said that no proof had been found of any match fixing. “The committee analysed the reasons of the defeats and found no proof of any wrongdoing,” he told reporters. “All were mere speculation, but it was the job of the committee to analyse them and as far as Younis’s resignation is concerned, the PCB will deal with it,” he added.