Former players stand by Younus, demand action against Dasti

Karachi:

Former Pakistan players and coach Intikhab Alam on Tuesday came out strongly in support of disgruntled Younus Khan and even demanded legal action against Jamshed Dasti, who had levelled the match-fixing allegations against the skipper.

Taking a strong exception to the treatment meted out to him, Younus today resigned from the captaincy after attending a hearing of a Parliamentary committee, headed by Dasti. Former Test batsman Rameez Raja said Dasti's statement has dented the image of the game.

"Younus did the right decision by quitting, as every respectable man will do the same. We cricketers play for our country`s pride and we should not be treated like that. Dasti created this controversy just to get cheap publicity and come in the limelight.

"Cricket is our identity and our cricketers are role models for everyone. It will hurt our image a lot and our cricket was going on a positive side but now a new controversy has begun," Raja said.

Former captain Rashid Latif said Younus was a man of integrity and honour and his reaction was justified.

"How can anyone just come out and make such serious allegations against the national team captain. The board should take some legal action against Dasti," he said. Latif said Younus would need a lot of convincing to take back his decision.

"I know him once he takes a decision he will stick to it. But I think in interest of Pakistan cricket he must reconsider his resignation."