Iftikhar Ahmad replaces retired Younis Khan in ODI squad

ABU DHABI (Staff Report) - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced inclusion of Iftikhar Ahmad as a replacement for Younis Khan in ODI squad against England, following the latter's decision of retirement from one-dayer cricket.

Earlier on Wednesday country’s Test’s top scorer Younis Khan announced retirement from ODI format of cricket.

He said that decision has been made after consultation with team management, selectors and other friends. “It was not an easy decision and I am thankful to Pakistani cricket fans for the love,” he added.

Younis Khan also extended his best wishes towards the future of Pakistan cricket. Once we were champions of the game and I hope young players will gain the lost place again, he said.

The retirement announcement was greeted with mixed response from senior cricketers and PCB officials.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan expressed extreme disappointment on Younis Khan’s decision of retirement from one-day international cricket.

Speaking to newsmen, PCB chief went on to say that not only the decision of retirement but the timing of announcement is also very discouraging. Younis has been a great player, his performance was still up to the mark and this is the reason selectors picked him to play for Pakistan once again, he added.

Younis Khan started ODI career on February 13, 2000 against Sri Lanka in Krachi cricket stadium. He played 265 ODI matches so far and scored 7249 runs. He hammered 48 fifties and 7 centuries.