KARACHI — Despite showing promise in the early stages of his career, no one ever thought Younis Khan would develop into one of Pakistan’s greatest ever batsmen with his unorthodox technique.
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The boy from Mardan had to work extremely hard to achieve a breakthrough in domestic cricket before he was able to even think of pulling on the Pakistan shirt.
In order to survive in Karachi, Younis took a low-income job at an eclectic supply company. It was only while playing club cricket for Malir Gymkhana Cricket Club in the 1990s that the youngster was finally noticed for his cricket ability.
However Younis was unable to breakthrough in first-class cricket as the Karachi regional side was full of experienced players such as Rashid Latif and Saeed Anwar.
A frustrated Younis was on the brink of leaving cricket until a lifeline was presented by the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) cricket team. In return for his services, Younis was given the handsome sum of Rs5000 per month and rest as they say is history.
He piled up huge scores for HBL and his fine form was rewarded with a call up to the Pakistan ‘A’ side.
VIDEO: Wasim Akram defends Misbah-il-Haq and Younis Khan http://t.co/TtQVhWeBlR @wasimakramlive @arsalanhshah pic.twitter.com/j7l6l9kB4q
— Sport360° (@Sport360) October 12, 2015
In 2000 Younis was selected to play against Sri Lanka at the UBL Sports Complex. Pakistan ‘A’ were bundled out for 47 and Sri Lanka strolled to victory.
As Sri Lanka were preparing to leave, Pakistan manager Shoaib Habib asked if the visitors would play another match given the amount of time still left in the day.
The visitors agreed and Younis went on to make 71 runs in a knock that grabbed the attention of the Pakistan selectors.
“I remember urging the Sri Lankans to play another 35-over game despite security putting up resistance to the idea as I wanted our youngsters to perform,” Shoaib recalled to Sport360. “Younis went onto score 71 and that took him through to the national ranks. I still remember the occasion like it was yesterday.”
The next few years proved tough for Younis, who battled against his critics, the flawed Pakistan cricket system and endured some personal losses. The death of his father and brother while he was touring came as a blow to Younis but he did not let the unfortunate events deter him from fulfilling his dream of playing in Pakistan’s colours.
The right-hander was dropped several times for what seemed to be personal bias to other players, but he returned a better player every time.
Today Younis has scored 8,814 runs from 101 Tests at a staggering average of 54.07 (including 30 centuries and 29 fifties) and is just 19 runs away from toppling Jawed Miandad as the highest run-scorer in Pakistan Test history.
Despite being on the verge of losing his record, Mindad could not be happier for Younis to be the one that surpasses him.
“Records are nothing to me because they are there to be broken,” the Karachi-born legend told Sport360. “Younis truly deserves to become the leading run-scorer because he has worked out of his skin to achieve what he has today.
“He is a perfect example for any athlete who wants to be successful despite not being the most technically gifted.”
Miandad recalled that even when he was coach of Pakistan in 2003, Younis’s work rate made him stand out from the rest of the squad.
“When you see a player work on a specific skill for four to five hours a day, you become aware that this player can achieve the impossible. Younis had that hunger, will and determination to ensure his technical deficiencies did not hold him back,” Miandad added.
“I wish him good luck that he not only surpass me but go onto play for a long time for Pakistan. Reaching the landmark of 10,000 or 15,000 runs shouldn’t be the target. He should only enjoy his cricket as much as he can and the PCB should allow him to play as long as he is performing for the country, irrespective of age.”
Meanwhile, former leg-spin legend Abdul Qadir also lauded Younis for closing on the milestone but stated he can never be compared to Miandad.
Qadir highlighted that Miandad was a rare breed of player that was revered for his supreme skill, while Younis is loved for his fighting spirit and determination to silence critics with the bat.
“Miandad was not just a player; he was a cricket artist,” Qadir told Sport360. “He was a cricketing genius so he can’t be compared with Younis at all. They are very different but that doesn’t mean Younis isn’t a great too. Younis deserves all the praise in the world for his achievements and I hope that he keeps on scoring prolifically.
“He is a great player but a greater human being someone who plays for his team, his country and his nation.”
Meanwhile, Qadir also reflected on the spin-bowling attack of both Pakistan and England ahead of Test series opener between Pakistan and England which begins on Tuesday.
Qadir stated that while Yasir would be the trump card for Pakistan, England’s spin attack must not be taken lightly.
“There is no doubt Yasir would be Pakistan’s go-to bowler in the series and he could prove to be the difference between two sides. But I would warn Pakistan not to underestimate bowling attack of England,” Qadir explained.
Lefties Alastair Cook and @MoeenAli batting together in the nets this afternoon. Not a cloud in the sky #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/3bm16qQB5r
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 12, 2015
“They are coming off back of an Ashes win with the likes of (James) Andersen, (Stuart) Broad and (Staurt) Finn in their ranks. But their real danger is the spin trio of Adil Rashid, Samit Patel and Moeen Ali.
“For the first time, I think England are coming with a proper plan to take on Pakistan in sub-continent conditions. Mahela Jayawardene is on their coaching panel so that would be a big plus for them.”
Qadir said that England could trouble Pakistan if their batting clicked and added that he thinks that it will be a much closer affair than the 3-0 whitewash of 2012.
He pointed to Younis Khan and Sarfaraz Ahmed as the key players for Pakistan.
“Sarfaraz is in a different class because he attacks the opposition while Younis, Misbahul Haq and Asad Shafiq provide stability and patience.”
