Younis wants break before big events

Karachi:

Pakistan captain Younis Khan on Wednesday advocated the need of a brief break in international cricket calender before important ICC tournaments like Champions Trophy or World Cup.

A bit surprised with the packed international calender just before the eight-nation tournament begins in South Africa in September 22, Younis said the International Cricket Council and member boards should sit together and amend the fixture to give the cricketers some rest before a big event.

"I just feel that perhaps ICC and its member boards can sit down and work out a way to have a break in international cricket activities just before the start of a ICC event like the World Cup or Champions Trophy," Younis said during an interview.

"Too much cricket before major events only adds to the pressure on the players and also tends to dilute the growing anticipation of people before a big tournament. Maybe at least before a big tournament a complete break of eight to 10 days would not be a bad idea," he added.

India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand completed a tri-series in Sri Lanka on Monday while England and Australia will wind up a seven-match ODI series on September 20 - just two days before the Champions Trophy commences.

"I get the feeling that there is too much cricket being played internationally these days. It is leading to reduction of quality in players and standard which is not good for the sport. It also tends to add a lot of workload on the players and the pressure increases on them to perform all the time," Younis said.

Younis also felt that one of the main reasons for having so much international cricket was because of the television coverage and money involved in the proceedings.

"In some series, particularly involving India, boards tend to make a lot of money and players also get paid well. This perhaps influences them to have a packed calendar," he said.

However, the cricketer said he had personally no issue with playing but added that the overall impact of so much cricket on the players fitness can't be ignored totally.

"I think that we are professionals and are supposed to perform. But at times it get a big unfair on us and I think a small break between series is a good idea," he said.

Younis also brushed aside the concerns that Pakistan's lack of international exposure compared to other teams could affect their performance in the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan's last international encounter was a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka on August 11 in Colombo.

"We also didn't play much cricket before the T20 World Cup in England but we did well. So it is just a matter of adjusting and performing like professionals," Younis said.