PCB at sixes and sevens, allows Younis to rejoin Pakistan Cup
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LAHORE: It seems the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is mighty confused in resolving the Pakistan Cup controversy involving Younis Khan.
After barring the experienced batsman on Tuesday, the Board in another U-turn, on Wednesday decided to accept the player’s apology for his rash attitude shown in the event.
Leading Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Younis, in an undesirable incident last week, showed dissent over field umpire’s decision of not giving Islamabad captain Misbah-ul-Haq out in the Pakistan Cup match at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
And following Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s next match against Punjab, during which Younis again expressed his ire after being given run out by third umpire, the match referee summoned the seasoned batsman.
After failing to appear in the hearing, Younis in a highly unexpected move left the event and went to Karachi. A fine of 100 per cent match fee was subsequently imposed on the batsman for breaching the PCB code of conduct.
The 38-year-old the other day apologised to the PCB chief which was accepted, and the batsman was allowed to return to the Pakistan Cup. The fine was however kept intact.
But then in another twist on Tuesday, the PCB barred the 104-Test player from rejoining the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa team for the remaining matches of the Pakistan Cup, and issued a show-cause notice to the batsman over breaking the conduct rules.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa coach Kabir Khan in the meantime had already sought a replacement for Younis in the event giving a new dimension to the episode.
In his reply to the show-cause notice, Younis, realising his impulsive move of leaving the event, apologised.
“I wish to apologise for departing the Pakistan Cup. I should have stayed back in Faisalabad. I have served Pakistan cricket for 15 years, and have played the game with the spirit of fairness. My reaction to the situation was the result of heat of the moment. I request you to accept my apology,” Younis said.
On Wednesday, the PCB accepted the apology from Younis and allowed him to rejoin the Pakistan Cup, if Ahmed Shehzad-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who in the last league match were playing Sindh on Wednesday night, were to qualify for the final.
A PCB press release in this regard stated: “A show-cause notice was issued to Younis Khan after a disciplinary breach during the ongoing Cool & Cool presents Haier Pakistan Cup 2016.
“In his response to the show-cause notice, Younis has expressed regret over his conduct and has duly apologised. In view of his acceptance of the wrongdoing and consequent apology, the PCB chairman has decided to accept his explanation.”
PCB chief, meanwhile, said: “Younis has served Pakistan cricket for a number of years and he has developed a shining reputation in Pakistan and abroad. While this incident is unfortunate, I am glad to note that Younis has admitted his mistake.
“Consequently, Younis may now join the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa squad should the team qualify for the final of the Cool & Cool presents Haier Pakistan Cup 2016,” the PCB chief was quoted as saying.
Only last Tuesday, the PCB in a media release had stated: “In light of the above pending disciplinary proceedings and due to the fact that a replacement player has already been added to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 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.”
Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2016
