Younus must as Test captain to see Pak cricket through challenging times: Zaheer Abbas

ISLAMABAD - Former Pakistan batsman Zaheer Abbas has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reappoint Younus Khan as the Test team captain, calling him the ‘ideal’ replacement for Salman Butt, who has been provisionally suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) under its anti-corruption code.

“With the future of Salman as captain and player now uncertain because of the spot-fixing scandal, the best choice to lead Pakistan is Younus,” the Daily Times quoted Abbas, as saying.

“The board should not waste any more time in appointing Younus as the Test team captain because he is the ideal man to lead the team after the controversial tour to England,” he added.

Younus had led the Pakistan team before he stepped down before the tours of New Zealand and Australia, over differences with teammates.

He was later banned as a part of the disciplinary action undertaken by the PCB in March 2010, following the team’s disastrous, winless tour of Australia. Though his ban was overturned on appeal, the PCB did not give him clearance for selection, on grounds of having made ‘inappropriate comments’ following the penalty.

“Whatever problem there is between Younus and the board it needs to be sorted out quickly,” said Abbas, adding, “Younus must meet with the board chairman and also make himself available for Pakistan again. The forthcoming series against South Africa in UAE is going to be a tough task and the board must have the best man leading the Test team.”

He also said Pakistan would need an experienced player like Younus in the upcoming World Cup. “The tournament is not far away and I don’t think we now have time or room for experimenting with new players,” he said. (ANI)