LAHORE, Oct 5: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has expressed his disappointment over Younis Khan’s decision to step down from the captaincy on the eve of the Champions Trophy, scheduled to commence in India on Saturday.

Woolmer, who tried his best to refrain Younis from announcing his decision before the press earlier today, made a brief statement in the afternoon. "As you are aware that Younis has resigned as captain of the Pakistan team, a policy statement will be issued by the PCB chairman later. But as a cricket coach, the decision is a disappointing one for me and it has deprived me of working with a talented player," he said.

"The reason for this decision, as Younis tells me, is personal. But there are many reasons and I do not know all of them. You may ask Younis if you get an opportunity to do so," he said.

Woolmer added that the preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy and the next World Cup-2007 would continue as usual and the unfortunate incident will not affect them.