File photo of Yunus Khan.
Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has dismissed reports that he stepped down as the national team’s batting coach due to an argument with the batsmen. Hassan Ali But it also refused to give the exact reasons for its decision, citing contractual obligations.
Younis had resigned a few days back but neither he nor the Pakistan Cricket Board gave any explanation for it. Later, media reports attributed the chain of events to Younis’ feud with Ali over an ice bath after a training session.
“Let me make it clear that the incident with Hasan Ali is not the reason behind my decision as batting coach. The whole episode has been exaggerated,” he said in an interview to ‘Jung’ newspaper. Younis said, “Yes trainer Yasir Malik told me to talk to Hasan and explain to him that he should take a bath with snow. There was an argument but Hasan apologized to me about it and we hugged and the matter was closed. “
The former batsman said that Ali was touring England at the moment and it was strange to raise the issue. He clarified that there were other reasons for his decision to step down but he was bound by his contract with the PCB which did not allow him to speak on the matter for six months.
“I have not commented on the matter so far in the better interest of Pakistan cricket and PCB and our team is also touring England,” Younis said.
But he claimed that there were some people in the PCB who leaked things to tarnish his confidence and reputation.
“I never ran after money for positions. My only concern was to do something for Pakistan cricket and ensure that the players could take advantage of my experience,” he said.
Yunus said that from day one he had made it clear that he would only talk to chairman Ehsan Mani or CEO Wasim Khan.
“In future also if I have to serve Pakistan cricket and work with the board, I will ensure that matters are more transparent and clear in our agreement,” he added.
Known to be a man of mood, Yunus had stepped down as the batting coach just before the team left for England and since then there has been speculation about the reason for his sudden ouster. Another reason being speculated for his decision was that he was not allowed to appear in the team’s bio-bubble in England a little later than the scheduled time. Younis reportedly needed time off to undergo a serious dental procedure.
Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has said that Younis’ exit as batting coach is a big loss for the players.
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