LAHORE, Oct 7: Reinstated Pakistan skipper Younis Khan said here on Saturday that he accepted the captaincy on the advice of new chairman PCB and in the best interest of the nation.

"The (new) chairman called me this morning and offered the captaincy and I accepted it in the interest of the nation and the team," said Younis who had declined the post in a dramatic move on Thursday.

Addressing a joint press conference on Saturday with new PCB chairman Dr Ashraf, coach Bob Woolmer and vice-captain Mohammad Yousuf, he said: "Yes, I had said that I am not a candidate any more for the captaincy but under the present circumstances I accepted the offer because I realize the gravity of the situation and want to serve the nation to the best of my ability," he said."I am grateful to the PCB for reinstating me as captain. In fact, what happened in the last two days also disturbed me a lot but I don't want go into the past problems. I am a soft-hearted person and want all things to move rightly. However, I apologize to everyone, specially my team, if I caused them any anguish or bother" Younis said.

Commenting on his relationship with the outgoing chairman, Younis said: "I have no clash with Shaharyar and regard him like my father. In fact, Shaharyar is the man who promoted me and always encouraged. But what happened (on Thursday) was the result of a misunderstanding", he regretted.

Asked about Pakistan’s chances in the Champions Trophy, Younis said he was confident of success because the team was a united bunch of players and his ultimate objective was to lead the side in a positive manner. “ We have the best combination with all types of bowlers and batsmen in our ranks and I am fully confident that all the team members are eager to take on the tough challenge in India where world's best teams have assembled for the trophy,” he observed.

Mohammad Yousuf also spoke on the occasion and said he never demanded captaincy so it was not shocking to let go of it. "As Younis said he is playing for the nation, it is the duty of all of us to put the national interest first’" he said.

"When the chairman asked me to step down as vice-captain I told him it was not a big problem because playing for Pakistan is my first priority."