LAHORE: Controversial former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar, taking a step ahead of another legendary paceman Wasim Akram, advised veteran Test batsman Younis Khan to retire from international cricket.

“Younis is one of the best batsmen the game has seen but I think it’s better he announces his retirement from international cricket to go home with all respect,” Shoaib told media here on Monday.

“If he feels he has a year of cricket left in him, he should rather play six months and then call it a day.”

Looking back to his own career, Shoaib — nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express due to his sensational bowling speed — said he “could’ve played more cricket for Pakistan but preferred retiring well before.”

Former Pakistan captain Wasim had earlier advised Younis to confine himself to just Test cricket but Shoaib, whose 14-year international career from 1997-2011 was full of controversies including being penalised for using banned drugs and dropped from the team for his attitude, said he doesn’t “consider Younis fit for Tests.”

On several occasions, Younis has expressed his desire to play One-day International cricket but the selectors, who gave him a chance in this year’s ICC World Cup, aren’t satisfied with his performance in limited-overs format.

Shoaib also said that he met Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan and Pakistan Super League (PSL) chairman Najam Sethi while expressing his desire to buy a team in the PSL with the help of a businessman.

The first edition of the PSL is likely to be held in the United Arab Emirates from Feb 4 to 24.

The PCB is yet to announce a final venue for the PSL despite having seemingly settled for Doha as its venue after failing to secure grounds in the UAE where the organisers of the Masters Cricket League had booked the grounds.

But recent reports suggest that the PCB held another round of negotiations with the MCL organisers and reached a consensus to possibly host the PSL in the UAE.

“The PSL is Pakistan’s brand and everyone should support the PCB for its successful commencement,” Shoaib said.

“The league will enable our cricketers to play with international players and hone their skills.”

Shoaib added that he also wanted to sponsor a regional team in domestic cricket — preferably of his hometown Rawalpindi.

He also urged the PCB to equally treat the tainted trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir, and help them make international return while adding he would prefer including Amir in his PSL team, if possible.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd , 2015

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