Younis to rejoin Pakistan Cup as PCB accepts apology

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday unconditionally accepted star batsman Younis Khan’s apology, paving the way for the veteran cricketer to rejoin the ongoing Pakistan Cup after controversial umpiring decisions forced him to leave the one-day domestic tournament in the middle.

“In his response to the show cause notice, Younis has expressed regret over his conduct and has duly apologized,” said a press release issued by the PCB.

“In view of his acceptance of the wrong-doing and consequent apology, PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan has decided to accept his explanation.

“Consequently, Younis may now join the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) squad should the team qualify for the final of the 2016 Pakistan Cup.”

PCB Chairman Shahryar Khan was quoted in the press release as saying that Younis has served Pakistan cricket for a number of years and developed a shining reputation in Pakistan and abroad.

“While this incident is unfortunate, I am glad to note that Younis has admitted his mistake,” he added.

The PCB had issued a show cause notice to Younis Khan on Tuesday following the row with umpires which resulted in a fine this weekend.

The 38-year-old former national captain questioned umpiring decisions during his team Khyber Pukhtunkhwa’s matches in the tournament currently held in Faisalabad.

On Saturday match referee Aziz-ur Rehman fined Younis 50 per cent of his match fee and summoned him for a disciplinary hearing. But Younis, Pakistan’s highest Test run-getter with 9116 in 104 matches, refused to attend the hearing and withdrew from the tournament in anger.

On Monday Younis Khan called PCB chairman Shahryar Khan and apologised for his behaviour, agreeing to play the remaining matches, a PCB statement said.

However the PCB had stopped Younis from playing in the tournament and issued him a show cause notice, seeking his explanation within seven days.