The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Tuesday, decided not to allow Younis Khan to return to the on-going Pakistan Cup despite the middle order batsman’s apology after he quit the tournament and left Faisalabad, the host city, last week, in protest against ‘substandard umpiring’ in the event.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa skipper contacted PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan on Monday to apologise for his misconduct.

However, the cricket board imposed a 50% penalty on Younis’ match fees and a show cause notice was also issued against him, which required an ‘explanation’ from the veteran to the board in seven days time.

“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 Pakhtunkhwa team in the Pakistan Cup,” said a PCB press release.

The former Test captain, who is also one of PCB's advisors on cricketing affairs, expressed willingness to participate in the remainder of the tournament. He said, “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.”

However the PCB Chief clearly rejected Younis’ apology.

“Younis has been a great servant of Pakistan Cricket and a true role model for youngsters,” Shaharyar said.

“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,” he added.