Tag: Younis Khan

KARACHI: Former captain Younis Khan shared his thoughts on the India-Pakistan handshake controversy that arose during their first encounter in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

The September 14 fixture was the first meeting between Pakistan and India since cross-border tensions resurfaced in May, and the unease was evident even before a ball was bowled.

Both captains skipped the customary handshake at the toss, something the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) alleged was instructed by match referee Andy Pycroft. According to the PCB, this move violated the spirit of cricket and the MCC’s code of conduct.

India’s seven-wicket win was quickly overshadowed by what came next. After sealing victory, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked straight off as the rest of the Indian players celebrated in their dugout, refusing to acknowledge Pakistan.

Speaking to the media at NIPA Sports Complex, Younis commented on the controversy surrounding players not shaking hands.

“Indian players not shaking hands is against sportsmanship. But they are following their government’s instructions. Still, if they don’t, Pakistan should win and extend your hand,” he advised.

The veteran emphasized the importance of professionalism, noting that Indian players benefit from fewer team changes and greater clarity about their roles.

“Neither India is weak nor Pakistan. Their plus point is that their is less changes in the team. That’s why they perform consistently,” Younis said.

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“Too many changes disrupt the combination. Avoid politics, play for the team and for Pakistan, not for yourself,” he added.

On the prospect of a Pakistan-India Asia Cup final, he said that it will be exciting to watch them in the summit clash.

“If it’s Pakistan versus India in the final, then what a contest that would be.”

Younis Khan also praised Shaheen Shah Afridi’s batting ability, saying he has the potential to develop into a genuine all-rounder.

“If Shaheen can bat, then why can’t others? He has the ability to become an all-rounder,” Younis remarked.

He also heaped praise on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, describing them as talented cricketers capable of delivering for Pakistan.

READ: Suryakumar reveals reason behind Dube’s promotion during Bangladesh clash

PESHAWAR: Cricket fans are in for a treat as Babar Azam’s Zalmi XI are taking on Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Legends XI in the much-anticipated Flood Relief Exhibition Match at the Imran Khan Stadium here on Saturday.

Earlier, Legends XI have won the toss and elected to field first against Zalmi XI in the Flood Relief Exhibition Cricket Match.

Squads

Legends XI: Inzamam-ul-Haq (c), Imran Farhat, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Azhar Mehmood, Humayun Farhat, Saeed Ajmal, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Umaid Asif, Abdur Rehman, Waqar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Nisar Afridi, Aimal Khan, Mohammad Salman.

Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Israrullah, Salman Khan, Azan Afridi, Mohammad Irfan, Zulifqar Babar, Ihsanullah, Amir Barki, Nisar Ali, Imran Jr., Qasim Saeed.

The charity fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, is underway under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

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All proceeds from ticket sales are being directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.

Since the monsoon began in late June, devastating floods have affected several regions of Pakistan, with the death toll crossing 800.

In light of this tragedy, Peshawar Zalmi and a Legends XI side are facing off today in a high-profile charity clash, uniting current stars and former greats on the field for a cause that stretches far beyond cricket.

WATCH: Haris Rauf snaps back at journalist over fielding criticism after Afghanistan win

PESHAWAR: Legends XI have won the toss and elected to field first against Zalmi XI in the Flood Relief Exhibition Cricket Match here at the Imran Khan Stadium on Saturday.

Squads

Legends XI: Inzamam-ul-Haq (c), Imran Farhat, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Azhar Mehmood, Humayun Farhat, Saeed Ajmal, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Umaid Asif, Abdur Rehman, Waqar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Nisar Afridi, Aimal Khan, Mohammad Salman.

WATCH: Flood Relief Exhibition Match in Peshawar: Zalmi XI vs Legends XI

Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Israrullah, Salman Khan, Azan Afridi, Mohammad Irfan, Zulifqar Babar, Ihsanullah, Amir Barki, Nisar Ali, Imran Jr., Qasim Saeed.

The charity fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, is underway under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

All proceeds from ticket sales are being directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Since the monsoon began in late June, devastating floods have affected several regions of Pakistan, with the death toll crossing 800.

In light of this tragedy, Peshawar Zalmi and a Legends XI side are facing off today in a high-profile charity clash, uniting current stars and former greats on the field for a cause that stretches far beyond cricket.

READ: Former captain questions Pakistan’s careless batting against Afghanistan

Some of Pakistan’s biggest cricketing names, including Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan and Shoaib Akhtar, will take the field in the upcoming Flood Relief Exhibition Match organised by Peshawar Zalmi in support of victims of the recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The fixture, scheduled for August 30 at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, is being staged under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports) in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government.

The 22-member roster boasts a mix of current stars and legendary figures.

Alongside Afridi, Younis, and Akhtar, the lineup features Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif, and Azhar Ali.

Former fast-bowling greats Waqar Younis and Mohammad Irfan, as well as all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, are also set to participate.

Fans can also expect a stellar spin department with Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Shah, Abdul Rehman, and Zulfiqar Babar among those confirmed.

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Peshawar Zalmi will take on Legends XI in what promises to be one of the most high-profile charity fixtures seen in recent years.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly towards flood relief and rehabilitation efforts across the province.

Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi said the initiative reflects cricket’s power to unite in times of crisis.

“This is more than just a match – it is our duty to stand with those affected. Cricket has always been a unifying force, and through this event, we aim to turn passion into meaningful support,” he said.

Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jahan praised the initiative, calling it “a reflection of empathy and solidarity with those who have suffered due to the floods.”

Organisers expect the event to draw a full house, with fans not only witnessing a rare gathering of cricket icons but also contributing directly to rebuilding lives and communities.

READ: Don Bradman’s historic baggy green bought for $438,500

Indian stalwart batter Cheteshwar Pujara has picked former Pakistan batter Younis Khan as a better player of spin than him self and Virat Kohli.

While speaking during a recent video segment, the 37-year-old Pujara answered a question regarding the batters who are superior at playing spin bowling.

The host diced prominent cricketing names, including David Warner, Dean Elgar, Ross Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Rohit Sharma and AB de Villiers. However, Pujara remained silent while hearing these names.

While hearing the name of England’s batting maestro Joe Root, Pujara broke his silence. He replied, stating that, ‘Maybe’.

When hearing the name Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara acknowledged the former captain’s superiority in playing spin, citing his impressive numbers.

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“I would say at par. In terms of stats, his numbers suggest that he’s a good player of spin,” he said.

The right-handed batter replied interestingly when asked about Australia’s Steve Smith and Kane Williamson.

 

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“They have scored runs against India and their numbers are good, but I don’t know, it’s very hard to compare myself when it comes to spin, but they are quality players,” said Pujara.

At last, while listening to the name of Younis Khan, Pujara hailed him as a better player of spin than himself.

“Younis Khan — I would have to say that he’s better than me,” he admitted.

It is noteworthy to mention that Younis Khan is the highest run-getter for Pakistan in Test cricket. He has amassed 10,099 runs at a staggering average of 52.06 in 118 Tests, along with 34 centuries.

The Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara is also an outstanding player of spin. Pujara has represented India in 103 Test matches, scoring 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60.

Known for his grit, determination and long stay at the crease, Cheteshwar Pujara boasts an excellent record against spin as well, with 3,376 runs in 129 innings at a mouth-watering average of 61.4.

READ: Nations Hockey Cup: New Zealand come from behind to down Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan legend cricketer Wasim Akram has backed Younis Khan as a potential candidate for the red-ball coach for the Pakistan team.

Speaking during a ceremony in the provincial capital, Wasim expressed his thoughts on the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The former pacer also revealed an option for the potential candidate to coach Pakistan’s Test team.

“Younis Khan can be a good option as a batting coach for red-ball cricket. The new coach can change the mindset of the new boys,” he said.

“The new coach will work on the Pakistan team with a new mindset,” he added.

Wasim Akram emphasized PSL, stating that some of the players had impressed him while hailing the return of the foreign players after the tournament’s resumption.

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“Hasan Nawaz has impressed in PSL. Salman Mirza and Ali Raza showed good performance in bowling,” he observed.

While hailing players, he also advocated for them, stressing the importance of taking time to adapt to T20 cricket.

“Players should be given some time in T20 cricket,” he said.

Wasim Akram concluded by commenting on the situation of India-Pakistan cricketing ties, “I cannot even comment on what will change in Pakistan-India cricket.”

For the unversed, PCB had appointed Aqib Javed as the red-ball of the Pakistan team following the departure of head-coach Jason Gillespie.

However, Aqib Javed served as Pakistan’s interim head coach for all formats until the tour of New Zealand in April.

Two weeks earlier, he was named as the new Director of High Performance while former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson was appointed as white-ball coach.

READ: Shaheen Shah Afridi to captain PSL 10 Team of the Tournament

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has defended the national team’s squad selected for the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played from February 19 to March 9.

Pakistan announced their squad for the tri-nation series and the upcoming eight-team tournament on January 31.

Although critics and former cricketers have raised their concerns over the selection of some players in the squad, Younis Khan stated that these are the best available players in the country.

“The team selected for the Champions Trophy consists of the best available players, and the key to good performance is mental fitness,” said Younis.

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“Team selection is done based on performance, and once the squad is chosen, the players should be fully supported. Criticism and unnecessary changes only create pressure on the players.”

The former captain expressed faith that this squad has the ability to make it into the semi-finals of the mega-event.

“The players have the talent to make it to the top four teams of the Champions Trophy,” he added.

Pakistan Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Haris Rauf.

READ: PCB chairman reviews final arrangements for Gaddafi Stadium’s grand opening

Australia batter Steve Smith on Friday achieved a historic milestone, joining legends such as Pakistan’s Younis Khan and West Indies’ Brian Lara on the second day of the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.

Smith scored another hundred in the ongoing series and took his centuries tally to 34 during the first innings of the Boxing Day Test.

With his 34th century, Smith came level with Brian Lara and Younis Khan as well as India’s Sunil Gavaskar and Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene, who all struck 34 centuries each in the format.

It’s worth noting that Sachin Tendulkar leads the chart for most Test hundreds with a mammoth 51 centuries in the format.

Smith is en route to equal two more legends as India’s Rahul Dravid and England’s Joe Root have scored 36 Test hundreds, only two more than the Australian batter.

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It’s worth noting that Smith also holds the record for the most (11) Test centuries against India.

Smith’s century helped Australia post 474 runs in the first innings on the second day after debutant Sam Konstas stole the show on the first day with his entertaining 60 off 65.

Steve Smith padded up on the second day on 68, with Pat Cummins alongside him on eight. They took 15 off one Deep over before Smith hooked Jasprit Bumrah for six to rub salt in the wounds, with India’s body language showing their frustration.

Smith reached his 34th Test century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy, which came on the back of a return to form in the last Test in Brisbane where he made 101.

READ: Former Pakistan head coach raises question over Shaheen Afridi’s Test snub

Kane Williamson has made history by becoming the first batter from New Zealand to score 9,000 runs in Test cricket. Moreover, he reached this milestone faster than some of the greatest Test batters, including Younis Khan and Virat Kohli.

Williamson achieved the historic milestone during the second innings of the ongoing first Test of the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy against England in Christchurch. The former New Zealand captain played a gutsy 61-run knock before he fell prey to Chris Woakes on Day 3.

He took 182 innings to reach the milestone, becoming the eighth quickest to score 9000 runs in Test cricket.

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In doing so, he surpassed many greats of the game, including Younis Khan, who took 184 innings, while current batters Joe Root and Virat Kohli, reached the landmark in 196 and 197 innings respectively.

Steve Smith is the only active batter who scored 9000 runs in fewer innings than Williamson, reaching it in 174 innings. Meanwhile, legendary Sri Lankan batter Kumar Sangakkara holds the record for being the fastest to the milestone with 172 innings.

It’s worth noting that Kane Williamson is New Zealand’s highest run-scorer of all-time, followed by Ross Taylor, who scored 7683 runs.

Fastest to 9000 runs in Test cricket

• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) — 172
• Steve Smith (Australia) — 174
• Rahul Dravid (India) — 176
• Brian Lara (West Indies) — 177
• Ricky Ponting (Australia) — 177
• Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) — 178
• Sachin Tendulkar (India) — 179
• Kane Williamson (New Zealand) — 182

READ: ICC postpones today’s meeting regarding Champions Trophy 2025

The Abu Dhabi T10 League franchise Bangla Tigers appointed former Pakistan captain Younis Khan as their head coach ahead of the upcoming eighth edition of the tournament.

Bangla Tigers announced the high-profile appointment through posts on their official social media accounts.

“New Head Coach Alert! Bangla Tigers is honored to introduce Legend Younis Khan as the Head Coach for Abu Dhabi T10 Season 8,” the franchise posted.

“Amidst the desert storm, The Bench Boss is ready to bring a sense of calm to the dressing room. Gear up for an exciting season ahead!”

 

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Younis Khan is considered a legend in Pakistan cricket, having led the country to their only ICC T20 World Cup title in 2009. He is also the only Pakistani batter to cross the 10,000-run barrier in Test cricket.

The former captain has also worked with the Pakistan cricket team as a batting consultant for a brief period in 2020.

The eighth edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League will be played from November 21 to December 2.

The upcoming edition will include two new teams: Bolts Ajman and UP Nawabs. They will join the existing eight teams: New York Strikers, Deccan Gladiators, Northern Warriors, Morrisville Samp Army, Delhi Bulls, Bangla Tigers, Team Abu Dhabi, and Chennai Braves.

READ: Basit Ali slams Sufiyan Muqeem for behaviour in India clash