Younis Khan challenged ICC Chairman Jay Shah to ensure India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for strong sportsmanship.
Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has issued a challenge to newly-appointed ICC Chairman Jay Shah, urging him to demonstrate true sportsmanship by ensuring India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025, set to be held in Pakistan.
Younis, a long-time advocate for strong cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, emphasized the significance of Shah’s leadership in elevating the game on a global scale. He believes Shah’s role will be crucial in breaking down barriers and facilitating India’s return to Pakistan for an international tournament after a long hiatus.
Welcoming Shah’s appointment as ICC chairman, Younis expressed optimism that his tenure would bring positive changes to cricket worldwide. “The cricket should uplift with the appointment of Jay Shah as the ICC chief. Jay Shah needs to show the sportsman spirit, as with the good initiatives of the ICC chief, India can come to Pakistan to play cricket. In the same way, Pakistan can visit India,” Younis Khan was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Younis emphasized that Shah’s influence could pave the way for improved cricketing relations between the two nations, marking a significant step towards goodwill in the sport. In addition to his remarks on India-Pakistan cricketing ties, Younis addressed Pakistan’s recent struggles on the field, including their heavy 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test. He called on the Pakistan team, led by Shan Masood, to play with renewed determination and pride to overcome these challenges.
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Younis, who led Pakistan to victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup, questioned the advantage of playing at home if the players can’t handle the pressure, urging them to boost their morale ahead of the second Test in Rawalpindi, starting on August 30. “There is always pressure to play cricket in home conditions. What is the benefit to the players if they cannot absorb the pressure? There is a dire need for the players to boost their morale,” he concluded.
Last Updated on August 29, 2024
