We stand united: Younis Khan

New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) Pleading not guilty in the latest contoversy plaguing Pakistan cricket, captain Younis Khan today said the crisis was a thing of the past and the team was focused and stand united for the Champions Trophy.

''I can't tell you what actually triggered these events,'' said Younis, who was dramatically re-instated as Pakistan captain barely two days after he refused to don the mantle.

''However, what I can tell you is that I had nothing to do with it. I'll be the last person to seek any publicity through such stunts. I'm a very simple man concerned only with playing cricket for my team,'' he said.

Younis shocked the cricket lovers in his country when he refused to lead the side in the Champions Trophy in place of banned Inzamam-ul Haq reportedly saying he did not want to be a ''dummy skipper''.

The sequence of events culminated in the resignation of PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan, who was replaced by Nasim Ashraf yesterday.

Younis also dismissed as rumours reports suggesting that the Paksitan team was grappling with infighting.

''I've problems with no one in the team. The team is united as ever. There is no infighting and had it been so, I must assure you I wouldn't have been here.

''Whatever has happened has happened and we all stand united. We are focused for the Champions Trophy and will fight tooth and nail to lift it,'' said Younis.

The middle-order batsman also clarified that although leading Paksitan was his dream, he would not think twice to vacate the place for Inzamam.

''I want to win four matches and take the team to the fifth one that is final. Trust me, if Inzy bhai comes at that time and wants to take the reins, I will do so without thinking twice. He's been my childhood hero and nothing would please me more than standing besides him while he lifts the trophy,'' Younis said.

Meanwhlie, coach Bob Woolmer admitted that the team went through a tough phase but said it was time to put all that behind and look ahead.

''Yes the team has gone through a very difficult time during last month and a half. But it's time to throw it in the dustbin and move on. We are here for cricket,'' Woolmer said.

On how the fiasco would affect his strategy for the tournament, Woolmer said,'' Our strategy would be team specific. It will depend upon who we play and under what circumstances. It doesn't matter what goes behind the scene,'' the coach said.

Woolmer said Pakistan were under no illusion as they knew they were up against the likes of South Africa and New Zealand in the group stages.

''New Zealand are former champions and a very good side. They have a strong batting line up and bowling looks formidable as Shane Bond is back. South Africans are the No 2 team in the world at the moment.

''All in all, we've got a tough group but we will play our best and try to win,'' he said.

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