This space, for atleast the last year, has repeatedly asked the question: In the midst of so many changes to the Pakistan Cricket Board, why is the only constant consistently Shaharyar Khan? For the past few years, it appeared almost clearly apparent that the only thing which could not and would not change, despite changes in coaches, selectors, and board members was the fact that Shaharyar Khan would remain at the top of the heap in the PCB structure. Despite his role in the fiasco at the Oval, and his almost disgusting lynching of Zaheer Abbas, it appeared that his position was sacrosanct. It took the pride of a Pathan to finally bring him down.
What a few days in the annals of the PCB that was. The selection of Faisal Iqbal by the selectors, without consultation of Younis Khan, and the subsequent refusal by Shaharyar to meet Younis to discuss the issue lead to Younis throwing, what can really only be called, a hissy fit at a press conference, and subsequently resigning as captain. Mohammad Yousuf was temporarily placed as captain, drama ensued, Imran Khan and Javed Miandad slammed the PCB, Shaharyar Khan resigned, and Younis Khan was back as captain. Enough to leave
one's head spinning, but it appears that in the end, Shaharyar Khan had really gotten to big for his boots, and it was time for him to go.
I really do think though, that we have raised Younis Khan to a higher level of adulation then he deserves. He may have had grievances against the PCB's establishment and Shaharyar Khan, but to air them in public, in such a juvenile way did not do him or Pakistani Cricket any service. Further, it reveals perhaps a certain immaturity and temerity which does not become a leader of the team. Perhaps it is understanding then, that the first member of the team to speak in favour of Younis, was none other than Shahid Afridi, a man no stranger to immaturity. Younis Khan will have to re-earn his standing as a mature and decisive cricket leader to truly be the heir apparent to Inzamam in the years to come.
What a few days in the annals of the PCB that was. The selection of Faisal Iqbal by the selectors, without consultation of Younis Khan, and the subsequent refusal by Shaharyar to meet Younis to discuss the issue lead to Younis throwing, what can really only be called, a hissy fit at a press conference, and subsequently resigning as captain. Mohammad Yousuf was temporarily placed as captain, drama ensued, Imran Khan and Javed Miandad slammed the PCB, Shaharyar Khan resigned, and Younis Khan was back as captain. Enough to leave
one's head spinning, but it appears that in the end, Shaharyar Khan had really gotten to big for his boots, and it was time for him to go.
I really do think though, that we have raised Younis Khan to a higher level of adulation then he deserves. He may have had grievances against the PCB's establishment and Shaharyar Khan, but to air them in public, in such a juvenile way did not do him or Pakistani Cricket any service. Further, it reveals perhaps a certain immaturity and temerity which does not become a leader of the team. Perhaps it is understanding then, that the first member of the team to speak in favour of Younis, was none other than Shahid Afridi, a man no stranger to immaturity. Younis Khan will have to re-earn his standing as a mature and decisive cricket leader to truly be the heir apparent to Inzamam in the years to come.
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