KARACHI: Former and current cricket stars paid rich tributes to Younis Khan after he announced his retirement from international cricket.
Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram said, “He is still fit but there is always a time when you have to decide about leaving.
“He has set many records which prove his greatness. Whenever he played he played with his heart and commitment.
“It will be tough to replace players like Younis and Misbah, so Pakistan will have to work hard in Tests without them.”
Shahid Afridi called Younis Khan as one of Pakistan’s greats.
“One of our greatest! #ThankyouYounisKhan for serving country with such pride. I’ll always remember some great moments together especially WT20 2009,” Afridi tweeted.
Former pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar proposed that Younis be renamed “Unique” Khan for his selflessness and honesty towards Pakistan cricket.
“To me Younis Khan should be renamed ‘Unique’ Khan for his selflessness & honesty towards Pakistan cricket. Take a bow brother, u r a champ,” he said.
In a second tweet, Akhtar said Younis’ retirement should not be seen as the end but a start.
“Let’s give him a role in the PCB and benefit from the treasure of his experience. Younis was the broadest bat to play for Pakistan, a bat that didn’t have the edges. Let’s retire jersey no. 75 as a respect to him,” he proposed.
Azhar Ali said he was lucky to have Younis as a senior player around him.
“Younis Bhai thank u 4 making all of us proud 4 so many years. u were great role model & u always wil b, thank u 4 everything u did 4 Pakistan,” Azhar tweeted.
“We were lucky to have u as our senior player and as our elder brother #ThankYouYounisKhan,” he further wrote.
England spinner Monty Panesar also congratulated Younis Khan for his super career.
“Congrats Younis Khan on a super career. A man who cud smile even when there was absolutely carnage around him. Don’t know how he did that,” Monty Panesar tweeted.
WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED: PCB CHIEF
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan said on Saturday that the services of Younis Khan will always be remembered.
He said filling the void left behind by Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq will not be easy, adding that a farewell ceremony will be held for both cricketers.
Shaharyar emphasised that no amount of praise for both cricketers would be enough.
The PCB chairman also spoke about Younis’ illustrious career and mentioned how he had led Pakistan to victory in the World T20. Agencies