Younus Khan urges Pakistan players to shun politics, play with unity

Former Pakistan captain Younus Khan has come down hard on the national cricket team, urging players to put aside politics and focus on playing for the country.

Speaking to the media at the Nipa Sports Complex in Karachi, Younus stressed that loyalty to the team and nation must come before individual interests.

“Get out of politics and play for the team. Play for the country and the nation, not for yourself,” he said, adding that inconsistency remained the biggest weakness of Pakistan cricket.

Highlighting the potential of star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, Younus remarked that if the left-arm bowler could contribute with the bat, others should follow suit. “Shaheen has the ability to become an all-rounder. He’s already proving himself on the ground,” he noted.

On the much-hyped possibility of a Pakistan-India clash, Younus said it would be a thrilling encounter if the two sides meet in the final. However, he cautioned that victory could only be achieved through smart planning and stability in team selection. “Matches are won through good planning. Avoid too many changes, because changes spoil the combination,” he advised.

Commenting on India’s approach, Younus acknowledged that while neither Pakistan nor India is weak, the Indian team’s consistency gives them an edge. “They make very few changes, and their players know they have to perform,” he said.

He also touched upon the growing tension between the two sides, criticising reports of Indian players refusing to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers. “It is against sportsmanship. They are doing this on their government’s instructions. If our government says the same, we may not shake hands either—but even then, you should prove yourself by winning and extending your hand first,” Younus suggested.

Younus also praised two key Pakistani players missing from Asia Cup squad.

“Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are good and capable cricketers,” he said.

He also reflected positively on his stint as Afghanistan’s batting consultant, describing it as a “good experience” where he received great respect. “Most of the Afghan players grew up in front of me,” he recalled.

Concluding his remarks, Younus dismissed the idea of any single team being permanently dominant in Asia. “No team is number one or number two here. The team that wins on the day deserves the top spot,” he said.