I want to retire from cricket when I am at my peak: Younis Khan

Islamabad, Apr.2 (ANI): Brushing aside speculations about his retirement from international cricket after being banned for an indefinite period by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said that he would hang his boots when he is at his best.

Younis, who was banned along with former captain Mohammed Yousuf, who announced his retirement in protest against the PCB's punishment earlier this week, said he has no plans to emulate the latter.

"Right after the 2003 World Cup several senior players like Saeed Anwar, Saqlain Mushtaq and Wasim Akram were discarded from the team. That is when I decided that I want to retire from cricket when I am at my peak," Younis told PakPassion.net.

Commenting on Pakistan's chances of winning the forthcoming ICC T20 World Championship in West Indies, Younis, who has an impressive Test career average of 50.09 and 16 centuries to his name, expressed the hope the home team will successfully defend the title.

"If you look at the squad that won the cup last year and the current squad, only a handful of players are missing. Most of the names are the same so we should have a good chance at defending the title," he said.

When reminded that the Pakistani middle order looks ordinary in his and Yousuf's absence, the right-handed batsman said there are several players who would take on the job.

"Umar Akmal will be able to replace me and Yousuf as the anchor of the batting line up and although (Shoaib) Malik will be missed due to the recent ban imposed on him; Fawad Alam should make up for it sufficiently," Younis said. (ANI)