Revise IPL deals, Younis tells colleagues by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

Younis Khan

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DateLine: 27th June 2009

 

Pakistan captain Younis Khan has advised his fellow players to revise their contracts with the Indian Premier League following the team's Twenty20 World Cup victory.

 

"After all, these players are now World champions and highly marketable. There is more value on their performances," Younis said.

 

He pointed out that top players like Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul and Misbah-ul Haq had signed contracts for $100,000 or less with the IPL when it was launched in 2008. "But now the scenario is different. These players should talk to their agents in India and ask them to go for a hike in price from the IPL franchises," he said.

 

Pakistani players could not take part in the IPL second season which was shifted to South Africa from India due to security reasons. They were advised against travelling to India for the IPL because of the strained relations between the two countries after the Mumbai terror attacks.

 

But IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said after Pakistan's World Cup win that he saw no problems in Pakistani players returning to play for their franchises in the IPL next year provided the Pakistan government gives them permission and the Indian government also clears them to play in India.

 

Younis said any money earned by the players from the IPL would be beneficial for them and for Pakistan as the money would come to Pakistan. "I am happy if any of our players can be better packages in the IPL for next season," said Younis, who ended his contract with the Rajasthan Royals before the second season of the IPL.

 

Younis has also announced his retirement from Twenty20 cricket after Pakistan's World Cup win. Indications are that Pakistani players including Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir might get a chance to play for their franchise in the Champions League planned this year while Shahid Afridi is also being targeted by Australian state side, New South Wales for Twenty20 cricket.

 

Asked about the return of the players from the Indian Cricket League to the national team, Younis said it was a good development as this would strengthen the team.

 

"But I would like to see these players who are now leaving the ICL why they joined this league in the first place."

 

Younis was also critical of statements from Imran Nazir and Rana Naved, who have resigned from the ICL asking for surety they would be selected in the national team.

 

"How can any player be given surety they will play for Pakistan. Razzaq has returned to the team and performed well so he is playing."