Younis failed to handle pressure of captaincy, says Akram

Karachi:

Pakistan skipper Younis Khan is yet to learn how to handle the pressure of captaincy and at the same time serve the team as a batsman, feels ex-captain Wasim Akram.

The former paceman came down heavily on Younis Khan for failing to contribute to the team's cause during the five-match ODI series against Australia which Pakistan lost 2-3 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

"I think the pressure of captaincy got to Younis and he couldn't get runs. He has been Pakistan's top batsmen for the last few years.

"He is an experienced player and needs to adopt to the pressures of the captaincy and also concentrate on his own performance because a captain has to lead by example," Akram said.

Akram also censured coach Intikhab Alam and his assistant Aaqib Javed who had gone to the Emirate cities to oversee the preparation of pitches for the series which Pakistan played as a home event after Australia refused to travel the strife-torn country due to security reasons.

"If they had gone for batting pitches like the one used in the last match, Pakistan would have won the series," Akram said.

After Pakistan won the first match, Australia made a comeback by winning three encounters on the trot to pocket the series before the Younis Khan-led side managed a consolation win in the last tie.

Wasim said Pakistan had much experienced batting line-up than the Australians and had a better pace attack, yet the turning tracks were prepared for the series.

"If Pakistan had beaten Australia it would have been a big boost for Pakistan cricket which has faced lot of problems during last two years and has been forced to play at neutral venues," Akram said.