Pakistan’s veteran batsman Younis Khan has announced his retirement from
one-day international cricket, saying the first day-night game against
England in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday will be his last match.
In a statement issued to the media Younis said that it was never easy
for a cricketer to decide when to retire after 15 years in international
cricket.
“I am fortunate that I have been able to decide myself when to retire in T20 internationals and ODIs,” Younis said.
The national selectors had, in a surprise move, recalled Younis for the
four-match ODI series against England after ignoring him for this format
since the World Cup early this year in Australia and New Zealand.
The 37-year-old will be appearing in his 265th one-day international on
Wednesday Nov 11,2015, nearly 16 years after making his debut against Sri Lanka in
Karachi in February 2000.
Going into his last match, Younis has scored 7,240 runs with seven hundreds and 48 half-centuries in one dayers.
Since March 2013, Younis has been picked for only 11 ODIs, putting a big question mark on his future in the 50-over format.
“I have taken the decision to retire after consulting my friends,
associates and family members. It is never easy to retire from any form.
But I am happy that I have been able to play a central role in many of
Pakistan’s victories,” the former captain said.
“I am satisfied with the future of Pakistan cricket as there is no
shortage of talent in our country and I am sure the young players will
also play with the same passion and adhere strictly to discipline and
fitness,” Younis said.
Speculations were rife that Younis would announce his retirement from
ODIs during or after the England series because of the increased debate
on whether he deserved a spot in the ODI side.
Younis Khan, who has been in prolific form in Test cricket since the last few
years and became the first Pakistani batsman to score 9000 Test runs
besides hitting 31 centuries, has in comparison struggled in the
50—overs format averaging just 31.34 in 264 matches.
In Test cricket, Younis Khan averages 53.94 in 104 matches.
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