Younus wants to resign over fixing allegation

Published on Tuesday 13 October 2009 22:31

PAKISTAN cricket has been plunged into fresh crisis after Younus Khan offered to step down as captain in protest over accusations of match-fixing during the Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Younus's offer to resign was made at a hearing before the National Assembly standing committee on sports and again later to Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt. Butt has deferred a final decision on the issue.

Pakistan lost their final trophy group game against Australia off the last ball, leaving arch-rivals India with no chance of advancing, and then went down to New Zealand in the semi-finals in a match they had been considered favourites to win. The defeat sparked outrage in Pakistan and the chairman of the committee, Jamshed Dasti, accused Younus and the team of throwing matches.

The International Cricket Council dismissed those claims and Dasti later back-tracked on those allegations, but asked chairman Ijaz Butt, Younus and coach Intikhab Alam to appear before the National Assembly in Islamabad today.

"I could not stand criticism from all and sundry as it was affecting my performance. That is why I resigned," said Younus. "If captains are summoned like this, nobody will want to lead the Pakistan team."

Butt said he would need some time to decide.

"It's an emotional decision and I reject it," Butt said. "I hope to convince Younus to revoke his decision, but if he sticks to his stand then the matter will be decided by the PCB's governing council next week."