Younus returns to domestic cricket

Karachi:

Pakistan former skipper Younus Khan, after his brief exile from cricket, returned to play for his domestic side Habib Bank in the final of Quaid-e-Azam trophy at the national stadium here.

Younus, however, had a mixed outing on the opening day, as he was dismissed cheaply for seven runs while batting for his side, but chipped in with his medium fast bowling, claiming two important wickets.

It was the first appearance of Younus in domestic cricket since he pulled out from the New Zealand tour, on the grounds that he wants to take a break from cricket.

"It was good to see him back on the field as he remains a key player for Pakistan," chief selector Iqbal Qasim said.

Five national selectors were at the national stadium to watch Younus in action, although Qasim insisted they were there to watch the performances of all those playing in the match.

"If Younus continues to play domestic cricket and proves his form, there seems to be no reason, why he can't be considered for the one-day matches in Australia in January and February," the chief selector said.

Meanwhile, flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi did not turn up for Habib bank today. He is said to be busy attending to his ill father.