Younis discusses future with Pakistan chief by AFP

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Player:

Younis Khan

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DateLine: 16th October 2009

 

Pakistan captain Younus Khan on Thursday met the country's cricket chief to discuss his future after submitting his resignation over match-fixing allegations.

 

The allegations were levelled by the chairman of the National Assembly sports committee following Pakistan's close one-wicket defeat against Australia in a group match and semi-final loss against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy held in South Africa in September-October.

 

Although the committee cleared the team of wrongdoing, Younus offered his resignation, saying he was offended by the accusations.

 

"I am hurt by the allegations of match fixing which forced me to resign. Now its up to the PCB to take a decision," Younus told AFP on Wednesday.

 

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt, who has rejected the resignation despite Younus's insistence, said he would consider the matter.

 

"Chairman PCB met with Younus and a detailed discussion was held. Details of this meeting will be announced in (the) next few days," the PCB said in a statement.

 

The PCB chairman has also summoned team coach Intikhab Alam, manager Yawar Saeed, assistant manager Shafqat Rana and vice-captain Shahid Afridi to further discuss on Friday the team's performance during the Trophy.

 

Although the PCB gave no further details of the meeting, sources close to the PCB said Younus had requested that he be made captain until the 2011 World Cup to be held in the sub-continent.

 

"Younus has kept the option of taking the captaincy again but on certain conditions -- one of which is that he wants to remain in charge until the 2011 World Cup," a source told AFP.

 

The PCB chairman has promised to reply to Younus in the next few days.

 

Pakistan face New Zealand in a limited over series, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches in the United Arab Emirates next month before touring New Zealand and Australia for Test series.

 

Experts believe because of the two tough tours, the PCB is unlikely to accept Younus's demands.

 

Younus's shock resignation offer is the latest twist in controversy-packed Pakistan cricket, rocked by fixing allegations, doping scandals, sackings of officials and incidents of player indiscipline.

(Article: Copyright © 2009 AFP)