Rameez hails PCB's move to retain Younus as skipper

Karachi:

Former captain Rameez Raja on Monday hailed the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to reject Younus Khan's resignation and name him skipper of the national team until the 2011 World Cup.

"I think, the Chairman of the PCB Ejaz Butt has given a lot of thought to this matter and taken a very judicious and strong decision which is good for Pakistan cricket," Rameez said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also said that the PCB's decision would go a long way in pushing Pakistan team to further improved performances.

"I am happy that the decision has been taken and a period of uncertainty in our cricket has been ended that started with younus Khan's resignation," Rameez said.

"It was necessary to continue with younus as captain to ensure the rebuilding process of the team was not derailed and we keep on improving as a team which has done well this year," he added.

Younus had resigned last week after a hearing of National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports, protesting the match-fixing allegations made by the committee chairman Jamshed Dasti, who had accused the team of under-performing against Australia and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy.

"This controversy was bad for the image of Pakistan and that is why I am happy that it has ended and the board has also shown some strength," Rameez said.

Rameez also saw nothing wrong in younus' reaction to the match-fixing allegations, made against him as well as the whole team by a government functionary.

"Any sane person would react in such a manner when such allegations are made against you despite giving your best for the team. The players now need to concentrate on the coming Test series in New Zealand and Australia, which are very important for us," he said.

Meanwhile, another former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif also hailed Younus' contribution the leader of the national side.

"To be honest, there was no reason for accepting his resignation despite all the controversy because he has done a good job as captain and his temporary loss of form will also be over soon. He is a player who leads by example and Pakistan needs a strong and passionate captain like him," Latif said.