LONDON: At an impressive event which took place in The Long Room of Lord’s, the former Test batsman from Pakistan, Younis Khan was given a warm reception. It included rich tributes to the legend who having played 118-Test matches, recently retired after conclusion of the Test series in the West Indies.
The legendary record breaking, Younis in his speech, thanked all for honouring him, and expressed the resolve that he would continue to serve cricket in Pakistan. He said that “It is a great honour for me to have played cricket for Pakistan and cross the 10,000-run milestone,” He also thanked his countrymen and women for their affection and given during his cricket career.
The ceremony was attended by the Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Syed Ibne Abbas, Wisden editor Lawrence Booth, members of Pakistan cricket squad, former Test players and a considerable number of fans.
Some of the remarks to commend Younis were:
- Ibne Abbas termed Younis a role model for the youth to emulate. He said, “Congratulations Younis Khan for ending your cricket career in a memorable manner when team Pakistan wrapped up the historic Test series win, first time on the West Indies soil”. The high commissioner added “By becoming the first Pakistan batsman to achieve the commendable milestone of 10,000 Test runs, and captaining the team which lifted the 2009 World T20, you have made history and made Pakistanis proud”.
- Heaping praise on Younis, Pakistan team head coach Mickey Arthur said the thoroughly professional manner the batsman went about his business was fantastic. “It has been a privilege and honour to work alongside a player like Younis,” the South Africa-born coach said.
- National ODI and T20 captain Sarfraz Ahmed on the occasion said Younis deserved all the applause. “I have played with him during the last couple of years, and I have found him a complete professional,” the wicket-keeper stated.
- Speaking on the occasion, Booth specifically mentioned Younis’ epic Test knock against England at The Oval last year. “With the pressure on, Younis delivered. His classy 218 in the final Test of the [2016] summer at The Oval helped Pakistan square the series after successive defeats had left them in danger of squandering their win at Lord’s. It was his 32nd Test hundred — and a reminder that his struggles earlier in the series had been a blip rather than part of a decline,” said Booth.
