Pakistan cricket captain Younus Khan offered his resignation on Tuesday at a meeting called to investigate defeats against Australia and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy this month.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt, however, rejected the resignation, saying Khan’s decision was an emotional one.
”I tender my resignation and if captains are summoned like this, no one will be eager to lead the Pakistan team,” Younus said at the start of the session.
The Pakistan National Assembly’s committee on sports summoned Younus, coach Intikhab Alam and Butt to explain the team’s defeat in the Champions Trophy held in September and October in South Africa.
Pakistan’s close one-wicket loss to Australia in a group match and their defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the semifinal sparked allegations from a lawmaker that the team threw the matches.
Jamshed Dasti, chairman of the committee, has alleged that Pakistan deliberately lost the match against Australia to throw arch rivals India out of the Champions Trophy.
Australia’s win sent them and Pakistan into the semifinals, while India was eliminated in the first round.
Although Dasti later backed down from his accusations, the PCB rubbished the allegations.
Younus said he led the team with an injured finger and felt disappointed at being summoned for investigation.
”I set an example and led the team from the front despite having my finger injured,” said Younus, who fractured it during a warm-up match and had to miss the Champions Trophy’s opener against the West Indies.
He then played in Pakistan’s 58-run win against arch-rivals India and also featured against Australia and New Zealand.
”I reject this because it’s emotional and we will look at this matter later,” said Butt in reaction to Khan’s resignation. — AFP
