The standoff between senior player Younis Khan and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is taking one turn or the other. In a significant development, the national board has decided to deal the issue with a firm hand by issuing a show cause notice to the 38-year old and prohibiting him from returning to the Pakistan Cup.
Dawn reported that the national cricket board issued a press statement which spells danger for Khan. The PCB release stated, “In accepting the recommendations of Match Referee, a fine of 50 percent of his match fee has been imposed on Younis Khan and for breaching the clauses of his central contract a show cause notice has been issued to Younis Khan to explain his position to the Board within seven days.”
Despite the star batsman tendering an apology for his behavior, he was reprimanded for breaching several contractual clauses and subsequently restrained from rejoining his Khyber Pakhtunkhawa teammates in the ongoing domestic tournament.
The PCB which has been under fire for not taking a hard stance on the misdemeanors of senior players, affirmed, “In light of the above pending disciplinary proceedings and due to the fact that a replacement player has already been added to the KPK Team, it has been decided, in the interest of the game, not to allow Younis to rejoin the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa team in the Pakistan Cup.”
Shaharyar Khan, PCB Supremo, was also non-committal regarding his personal opinion. The former diplomat asserted, “Younis has been a great servant of Pakistan cricket and a true role model for youngsters. I feel pained making this decision as we have to demonstrate that no one is bigger than the game. We will wait for Younis to respond before we proceed further in this matter.“
Earlier, the Test specialist had apologized for his actions and wanted to take part in the domestic tournament. He had claimed, “It was obligatory for me to participate in the premier ODI domestic tournament for the larger interest of the promotion of the game in the country.”
The entire fiasco started when Younis was miffed at an umpiring decision during a match between his side and Islamabad. The iconic right-hander also allegedly threatened a reserve umpire and walked out of the competition in fury.
With Pakistan touring England and Australia in the upcoming season, the PCB certainly needs Younis to shoulder the burden in an otherwise fragile batting lineup and help his team’s cause.
One of the greatest batsmen in Pakistan history, Khan has played 104 tests and scored 9116 runs at an impressive average of 53.94.
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