Younus returns to action in domestic cricket

Karachi:

His international future uncertain, Pakistan's troubled captain Younus Khan will return to action this week when he leads his domestic side Habib Bank in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy in Islamabad.

It will be Younus' first match since withdrawing from New Zealand's Test tour after losing a one-day series to the same opponents in Abu Dhabi in early November.

Question marks remain over whether Younus would be going to Australia in December for the full tour amid rumours that he has stepped down as captain for good.

There is speculation that Younus is fed up with the never-ending infighting among the senior players in the team.

Bank officials confirmed that Younus had given his availability for the next Quaid Trophy match from December 3 in Islamabad.

"Yes he has told us he would be captaining the side which is good news for us as we are in the run for a place in the tournament final," one official said.

Sources close to Younus said after a long discussion with the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board recently in London, the senior player was still deciding on whether to go to Australia for the Test and one-day series.

Senior batsman Muhammad Yousuf is leading Pakistan in the Tests in New Zealand.

PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt said he would like to see Younus back in the team for the tough Australian tour.

Chief selector Iqbal Qasim said it was a good sign that Younus was coming back to domestic cricket.