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Published 09 Apr, 2008 12:00am

Younis agrees to play at the eleventh hour

LAHORE, April 8: Pakistan batsman Younis Khan had reportedly refused to play the first One-day International against Bangladesh here on Tuesday, because of the questioning by an official of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) on Monday.

Sources said Younis, who did not come to the Gaddafi Stadium with the team on Tuesday, only arrived as chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed and his committee member Saleem Jaffer managed to bring the Mardan-born player to the stadium, about half an hour before the start of the match.

During this period, PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf also rang up him to inquire the factual position. But Younis did not show any reluctance to the chairman and with Salahuddin and Saleem joined the team at the stadium.

Sources added that Younis and Umar Gul had to appear before the ICC official Allan Peacock, the other day, and both were asked different questions related to Pakistan’s tour of India late last year.

It was further learnt that first manager Talat Ali Malik had been asked to convince Younis, but to no avail. Then entered Salahuddin and Saleem to convince the batsman.

It is learnt that Younis and Umar were asked some basic questions about Shoaib Akhtar’s recent disclosure about money offers he received from unidentified persons during the last tours of India and South Africa.

Furthermore, the sources added, the official also asked both players some questions on acceptance of some expensive gifts during the Indian tour.

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