Latest news with #YounisKhan
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
'Home environment, Karachi life groomed me'
Meeting the legendary Younis Khan is a reminder that humility and greatness can coexist. He speaks softly but thinks deeply. On the field, though, it was his bat that did all the talking in an illustrious career that spanned nearly 17 years. Indeed, his astounding records and monumental achievements makes the man worthy of knighthood. Over 10,000 Test runs, 34 centuries, six double centuries, one triple century, centuries against nine Test playing nations, hundred catches as a fielder, 23 centuries outside Pakistan, victorious skipper of the 2009 T20 World Cup — and the impressive list of milestones goes on. The affable player from Mardan blushes when complimented about the many feathers in his cap. "Achievements are one thing, but when people remember you with love and call you a true Pakistani — that's the real legacy," says Younis in an exclusive interview with the Express Tribune recently. Younis credits his early life in Mardan and a close-knit family of six brothers for nurturing his love for cricket. "We all played cricket," he recalled, "and I was lucky to have their support. My family never saw it as a waste of time. They saw my passion." The prolific right-hander, who has been an ideal for millions in Pakistan and abroad, was inspired by his elder brother Sharif Khan who encouraged him to professionally take up the game. "For me, it was my elder brother Sharif Bhai who was the ultimate role model," says Younis as his eyes light up. "He (Sharif) was the complete package — captain, wicketkeeper, opening batsman, even an occasional off-spinner, and a brilliant fielder. He led from the front and had a great personality. From Steel Mills to steely nerves Besides his batsmanship, Younis maintained remarkable composure in career through crises - be it personal tragedy, Pakistan's international cricket drought, or high-stakes matches. "That sort of mental toughness was a part of my grooming at home," says Younis. "There's something powerful about the right environment and I found that environment at home which shaped me more than I can explain." His family had migrated from Mardan to Karachi in the early 80s and Younis Khan's father decided to settle down near the Steel Mills area. Growing up in Karachi during the volatile years of the early '90s contributed, too, in Younis acquiring his steely nerves. "Yes indeed, violence and unrest were rampant in those days, but the dream stayed alive," he says. The former Pakistan Captain recounts incidents where his team's vehicles came under fire, and they had to duck and hide. "I saw those dark days firsthand. Once you've played cricket through that, nothing fazes you." "When I joined Malir Gymkhana in 1992, it was a powerhouse — Waheed Mirza, Tariq Alam, Rashid Latif — they all played there. Suddenly, I was surrounded by top-class cricketers and mentors. That competitive environment, too, worked wonders." "It's that background that helped in developing my temperament. When I debuted for Pakistan against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium in Karachi in 2000, my captain asked me how I handled pressure. I was surprised. Pressure? After what we'd seen growing up, this is nothing." Unfazed by comparisons In the recent comparisons carried out by a renowned website on modern greats, Younis Khan held sway over his contemporaries with his astounding achievements and handsome run aggregate. So does it rankle with him when the Kohlis and the Smiths get to hog the limelight. "Not in the slightest," he replies. "I honestly don't believe in comparisons. My Allah knows how hard I worked and what I was able to accomplish. Besides, the love of my fans is the real reward. Having said that, I wish our cricket administrators could make greater, sincere efforts to ensure we were given our due in terms of respect, reward and recognition after having served our country with distinction." Asked about his cricketing idols, Younis names Rashid Latif as someone he learned from directly, but holds special reverence for two legends — Javed Miandad and Imran Khan. "Miandad bhai was someone we all wanted to emulate — the way he built his innings, carried the team, guided youngsters, and performed under pressure. As for Imran Khan, of course, he was a national icon who literally inspired every cricketer in the country who played the game after him." In what could be termed as poetic justice, Younis fulfilled his childhood dream while emulating Imran in 2009. "I always wanted to be part of a World Cup-winning team, just like Imran Khan in 1992. And in 2009, I was the captain when we won the T20 World Cup. It was proof that dreams backed by will and discipline do come true."
Express Tribune
10-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Younis joins Express News for HBL PSL
Former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan is seen with Express News officials at signing ceremony for the HBL PSL coverage. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has joined as the lead cricket analyst for Express News' coverage of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10. The signing ceremony was held in Karachi on Monday. Younis Khan, who led Pakistan to victory in the 2009 T20 World Cup, is also the country's all-time highest Test run-scorer with 10,099 runs. As an expert commentator, he will provide in-depth analysis and tactical insights throughout the tournament, which begins on April 11. Known for his leadership and sharp cricketing mind, Younis will break down team strategies, assess player performances, and highlight key moments of the matches for the viewers. Youns, who had also been attached with the Pakistan team as batting coach a few years ago, is a highly respected figure in the cricketing circles and enjoys an impeccable reputation as a person and cricketer who is loved by fans at home as well as abroad. The 10th edition of the PSL will start with defending champions Islamabad United facing two-time champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, April 11. The tournament will feature six teams and a total of 34 matches from April 11 to May 18. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including the two Eliminators and the grand final. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the first Qualifier on May 13. Karachi's National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches.
Express Tribune
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Legendary Younis Khan joins Express News for HBL PSL X coverage
Former Pakistan captain and batting icon Younis Khan will be the lead cricket analyst for Express News' coverage of the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League Season X (PSL X). A signing ceremony in this regard was held at Karach on Monday. The 2009 T20 World Cup-winning skipper, Pakistan's all-time leading Test run-scorer (10,099 runs), will provide expert commentary and tactical breakdowns during the tournament starting Aprill 11. Known for his gritty on-field leadership, Younis is expected to dissect team strategies, player form, and key moments for viewers. The Pakistan Super League's 10th edition is all set to kick off in Rawalpindi on Friday, April 11 with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two-time champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The six-team tournament will see 34 matches played from April 11 to May 18, with Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium set to host 13 matches, including two Eliminators and the final, Rawalpindi to host 11 matches while Karachi and Multan to stage five matches each.
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Ali Zafar boosted through HBL PSL platform
Ali Zafar, a prominent Pakistani singer, reveals his personal favorite HBL Pakistan Super League anthem that he sang during the seasons. In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, The talented artist, who has been a key figure in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), opened up about his journey and the anthem he holds closest to his heart. When asked about his favorite anthem, Ali Zafar explained, "It's difficult to choose one anthem, all are close to my heart. As people like my anthem 'Jab Seethi Bajay Gi,' so it's my favorite. I also liked some lines in different anthems, like in my last anthem there was a line, 'Khul k khel piyary kab tak tu darega, dil main aya joh hy wo kab tu krega?' ('Play freely, my dear, how long will you be afraid? What's in your heart, when will you do it?')." He also explained these lines, emphasizing that one should have the full courage to do what they believe in and do it fearlessly. He encouraged players on the ground to do the same. When asked about his favorite player, Ali Zafar said, "In the past, my favorite cricketers were Imran Khan, Viv Richards, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, and many more, including Younis Khan. All were my favorites. I have seen many classy innings from Younis Khan, and Sachin Tendulkar was also my favorite. Among current cricketers, he said, 'Virat Kohli, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi when he was in his complete form, Mohammad Rizwanthese all are my favorites.'" He also explained that people should support Babar Azam and give him a proper chance; he will do well. Zafar also mentioned that he loves following players like Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez. As someone who deeply respects athletes, he shared his thoughts on how criticism should be handled in a healthy and constructive way. He said, "Criticism should always be constructive and come from a place of understanding. Sportsmen, just like artists, work hard to perfect their craft, and they should be supported rather than torn down.
Express Tribune
28-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rashid Latif: Younis Khan rejected Pakistan to mentor Afghanistan in CT 2025
Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan's decision to mentor Afghanistan's national team during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has drawn attention, with ex-wicketkeeper Rashid Latif suggesting financial reasons influenced his choice. Latif claimed in a recent interview that Younis turned down an opportunity to work with Pakistan's squad, instead opting to assist Afghanistan. "Younis Khan said no to Pakistan cricket to work with Afghanistan. There are no financial benefits here," Latif stated on a local news TV show after Afghanistan eliminated England from the tournament. Younis, a T20 World Cup-winning captain, was appointed as Afghanistan's mentor by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) ahead of the Champions Trophy. The ACB stated that his experience would provide valuable insights into playing conditions in Pakistan, one of the host nations. "Since the Champions Trophy is being held in Pakistan, it was required to assign a talented and experienced player as a mentor from the hosting country," the ACB said in a statement. Younis is regarded as a legend in Pakistan cricket, leading the team to its only T20 World Cup title in 2009 and remaining the country's highest Test run-scorer.
