LAHORE - Experienced middle-order batsman Younus Khan has said that he has no plans to quit the limited-overs cricket after the World Cup saying as long as he stays fit, he will continue to be available to play both ODIs and Tests.
Younus, 37-year-old, is one of Pakistan's fittest players and forced his way back into the World Cup squad after his scintillating batting form in the Test series against Australia and New Zealand late last year. He made three centuries in four innings against Australia and another against New Zealand to make the selectors rethink his exclusion from the limited-overs team.
During his media talk here at the Gaddafi Stadium Thursday, when Younus was asked whether this would be his last major ODI tournament, he replied: "How come you know that it's my last World Cup? Whenever I feel my body is not allowing me to play, only then I will retire."
Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi have already announced plans to retire from ODIs after the tournament in Australia and New Zealand ends in March.
On retirement of his teammates, the veteran batsman said: “Retiring from international cricket is a personal decision of Misbah and Afridi and I believe there is no need to make it controversial. It's an honor for me to share the dressing room with such good players. The way they both have served the nation, it's amazing. We should appreciate and respect their decision. As far as I am concerned, I will play till I believe I am fit, in-form and there is hunger for cricket.”
Younus praised Misbah for captaining Pakistan cricket team during its toughest phase after match-fixing scandal engulfed it. “Misbah should be praised for leading the team during its difficult period. He led the team with unity and therefore everyone should laud him,” he added.
Younus has scored 7,177 runs in 259 ODIs with seven centuries and 48 half centuries at an average of 31.75. However, his ODI batting stats aren't encouraging in either Australia or New Zealand where he has scored only 262 runs in 15 ODIs. He said: "I had not scored a Test century against Australia before the series against them in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but I scored two centuries and also a double century. I hope I will carry the same form in the World Cup."
Dispelling the impression that he would struggle in Australia and New Zealand if sent at No 3, Younus said that he could take the responsibility just like Imran Khan did during 1992 World Cup. “I can perform well at No 3 and the notion that I am fearful of playing at demanding No 3 spot is wrong. Indeed, I have played at that position in the past and also have performed well.”
He reiterated that playing at No 3 had made him a different kind of cricketer and he had performed well on many occasions. “I can take the responsibility of going up at No 3. I fear the least and hopefully I would not struggle during the World Cup if am asked to play at that position,” he said.
He further mentioned Imran Khan and said that he would like to emulate the legendary player, who promoted himself to No 3 when the team was struggling in batting department during World Cup 1992, which also was held in Australia and New Zealand. Imran went on to put some memorable performances during the tournament, which Team Pakistan eventually won.
Younus added co-host Australia and dangerous South Africa might have an edge during the tournament but many other teams would also stand almost the same chance to excel. “New Zealand played impressively against us in UAE. They fielded well and they also stand a chance. In ODIs and in a tournament like World Cup, every team stands a chance. Pakistan also stands a chance of winning the tournament just like any other team,” he said.
“One-day cricket has changed and rules, like five players in the circle, have made it a game for every team, who put a united show. If we are motivated and each of us go all out put our best as a team, then I believe Allah will also help us. So I am optimistic of our good performance during the tournament,” he added.
Younus said that he loved to play with youngsters and there was no insecurity in him. “If some youngster replaces me with good performance than I would be happy. There is no insecurity in me,” he said.
Pakistan is scheduled to play a short two-match one-day series against New Zealand before it takes on India in the opening match of the World Cup on Feb. 15 at Adelaide.