Younis says he can't reveal why he stepped down as Pakistan batting coach.
Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has finally decided to speak on the issue of him stepping down as the Pakistan cricket team’s batting coach and confirmed that it was not because of the argument with the pacer Hassan Ali.
He further said, “there were other reasons for his decision”, which he cannot reveal due to contractual obligations.
The Test legend further said he didn’t make any comments regarding his decision to step down as the Pakistan batting coach because of the better interests of Pakistan cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
However, Younis admitted that he had an argument with Hassan Ali over an ice bath, but the pacer apologized to him about the matter, following the intervention of the team trainer Yasir Malik and the matter was resolved but denied reports of him quitting the job due to this incident.
Younis told ‘Jang’ newspaper: “Let me make it clear that the reason for my decision to step down as batting coach is not the incident with Hassan Ali. The entire episode has been blown out of proportion.”
The former batting coach further added, “Yes the trainer, Yasir Malik, had asked me to speak to Hasan and convince him that he should take an ice bath. There was an argument but Hassan apologized to me about it and we embraced and the matter was closed.”
Well, Younis also revealed that his PCB contract doesn’t allow him to speak on the matter for six months, but the former batsman claimed that there were some people in the Pakistan board who said something about him to dent his confidence and reputation.
Younis further added, “I have not made any comments on the matter so far in the better interests of Pakistan cricket and PCB and our team is also touring England. I have never run after money for positions. My only concern was to do something for Pakistan cricket and ensure the players could take advantage of my experience.”
Younis noted that from day one he had made it clear he would only talk to the Chairman, Ehsan Mani, or CEO Wasim Khan.
He signed off by saying, “In future also if I have to serve Pakistan cricket and work with the board I will ensure matters are made more transparent and clear in our agreement.”
(With PTI Inputs)