Win can help Pak cricket: Younis by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	Younis Khan
Event:	ICC World Twenty20 2009

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DateLine: 22nd June 2009

 

Pakistan skipper Younis Khan used his team’s victory in the ICC World T20 to appeal to cricketing nations to consider playing in his country.

 

Pakistan routed Sri Lanka comfortably by eight-wickets in the final at Lord’s and lifted the trophy which was their first major victory since winning the 1992 World Cup in Australia.

 

Skipper Younis Khan chose the appropriate moment to appeal to world cricket to reconsider their decision and encourage the next generation of cricketers in their country.

 

"Everybody is following Twenty20 cricket these days and now we are champions it would be good if we could get some home series," said Younis.

 

"I would like all the countries to come to Pakistan again. Everybody knows the situation is not good but it's not our fault. We need home series because if there isn't any cricket in Pakistan how can we motivate the youngsters especially at school level and college level?

 

"I would say to the world, please come to Pakistan and play. I am very proud of my nation, I'm a proud man and this victory is good for all of us."

 

Other than the terror-hit series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, Pakistan have not hosted a home Test series since South Africa visited in October 2007. Even their last ODI series was against Bangladesh and that dates back to a year ago.

 

Younis dedicated the big victory to former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer. The coach died in unexpected circumstances in Jamaica during the 2007 World Cup.

 

"This final must be dedicated to Bob because he did a lot of good for us, especially my cricket," said Younis. "He would be very proud if he was still alive.

 

"He was a father figure for us at that time. He was the guy who kept saying to the chairman and the selectors that Younis would be the next captain and because of him I have become a captain."