KARACHI: Furious over the exclusion of veteran middle-order batsman Younis Khan from the ODI squad, former captain Rashid Latif has threatened to boycott Pakistan cricket until unjust treatment meted out to the senior batsman is addressed.
“Younis left the Sri Lanka tour due to his nephew’s demise. He should have been an automatic choice for the series against Australia but was unjustly snubbed. I failed to understand the logic behind this decision by the selection committee,” said Rashid while talking to a private news channel.
“He (Younis) is doubly hurt, I guess. First, he had a tragedy at home which was followed by unfair treatment from the selectors. I am utterly disappointed and have decided not to watch or comment on the upcoming series,” remarked the former Test wicket-keeper.
The selection committee led by Moin Khan announced ODI and T20 squads last week for the series against Australia. “Younis is amongst the fittest in the team and if he was dropped on recent performance then who else has been consistent performer in the current team,” contended the former captain.
“The youngsters need a person like Younis to guide them, since he is the only one around who is experienced as well as respected in the team,” commented Rashid.
Rashid further said that the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, chief selector and head coach should look into the matter urgently to avoid adverse effect.
“The impression is that the rift between Younis and Shaharyar Khan in mid-2000 has cost the senior batsman his spot in the squad,” said Rashid.
“The PCB chairman must come out clean on the matter,” said Rashid who also urged Moin and Waqar Younis to help in resolving the issue.
“Being former cricketers, Moin and Waqar must understand players’ sentiment. They must take a step to resolve the matter as soon as possible,” Rashid concluded.
Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2014