PCB boss wanted Younus to continue as captain

Islamabad:

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ejaz Butt asked Younus Khan not to resign as captain despite his run of poor batting form in this month's ODI series loss to New Zealand, local media reported on Friday.

"He (Butt) wanted me to continue as captain, but I asked him to excuse me," Younus told a leading Urdu language daily Jang.

The PCB on Wednesday named Mohammad Yousuf as captain for this month's three-Test series against New Zealand after Younus requested a break from international cricket.

Younus scored only 22 runs in Pakistan's 2-1 limited-overs series loss to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is unsure whether he will return to the team for next month's tour of Australia.

"It is premature to say whether I will captain the side in future, it all depends what the situation is," Younus was quoted as saying.

Younus was not the only Pakistan batsmen to struggle for runs against the Kiwis. Apart from opening batsman Khalid Latif, who scored 128 runs in three matches, none other Pakistan lineup could pass the 100-run mark.

Mohammad Aamer - whose 73 in the third ODI was the highest ever individual score by a No. 10 batsman in limited-overs internationals - was the next highest scorer with 85 runs from three matches.

"If I was not scoring runs, how could I question other batsmen," Younus said. "That's why I decided not to put burden on the team and take break from international cricket."

Younus said he plans play in the first class domestic tournament for his employers Habib Bank Limited.

"If I rediscovered my batting form, only then I will give my availability to the cricket board."