KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan believes that the United Bank Limited’s recent move to disband its cricket team will send discouraging signals to young and upcoming cricketers who have been aspiring to make career in the game with the support of leading outfits in domestic cricket.

“At the UBL academy, the youngsters are training day in and day out with hopes to excel in the game,” said Younis while talking over the phone from Islamabad. “But they will feel very disappointed when the same institution disbands its cricket team.”

“UBL is the only department with such a good set-up. Young players, at their training facility, will surely get discouraged by this move”, the former captain added. “How does it sound that ‘We will manage the cricket academy but will shut the cricket team. it doesn’t seem fair.”

Younis said he has had a word with the UBL head on this subject and will be meeting other influential figures as well in the coming days to convince them to avert the dismantling of the cricket team.

UBL has been a prominent department with a rich history in the Pakistan domestic circuit.

“UBL are the reigning departmental one-day champions and have eight or nine current national players in its ranks. I hope the relevant quarters will pay heed to my plea,” said Younis.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2018