Master batsman Younis Khan, who is on verge of becoming the highest Pakistan run-getter in Test cricket during the upcoming England series, reiterated his resolve to give his best for the country and said it is his desire to see Pakistan shining through each of his achievements.
Speaking to print media journalists in an informal session at a local hotel on Saturday, Younis said he is naturally excited to be so near to the coveted landmark but his surpassing of Javed Miandad will in no way make him a greater batsman than the former captain.
“To emulate Javed Bhai will be the ultimate thing for me, a huge honour. He [Miandad] remains the greatest batsman ever in my view and simply surpassing him will not in any way put me ahead of that legendary player,” said Younis who is just 19 runs away from eclipsing Miandad’s Pakistan record of 8,832 runs.
“In the last Test match against Sri Lanka, when I required 90-odd runs to achieve the landmark, I was very restless about getting there and took a few risks too but eventually fell short,” recalled the affable Mardan-born right-hander. “However, now I am more pragmatic about it and am prepared to take my time in getting those 19 runs, although I certainly want to get them in the first innings of the opening Test against England.
“Here, I must emphasise once again that playing for Pakistan and making my country shine through my achievement is what is always paramount for me,” he clarified.
“Whenever I see the names of the Australian players, the Indians, even Sri Lankans such as Mahela Jayawardene and [Kumar] Sangakkara among the record run-getters in cricket history, my resolve to see Pakistan’s name in that list grows stronger. Insha’Allah I hope to feature among that list of players having 10,000 or more runs to their name and that will do my country proud.”
Looking fit as a fiddle and sounding confident about breaking more records for Pakistan, Younis said he believes in playing the game with honesty and effort and wants to move on in life as an uncomplicated person of moderate thinking.
“Though my reputation of late has become of a person who has ego issues or is aristocratic in mannerism, it is far from the truth,” said Younis who attracted quite a few controversies of late including his outburst against his axing from the ODIs and as well as the PSL snub by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“Let me make it clear, and the media knows that I am no egoist. But I must make it clear that I am no meek guy either,” said Younis. “I respect everyone and expect them to give me some respect in return. But if someone believes that I will take attitudes or high-handedness lying down, they are sadly mistaken. I am a friendly person but know when to rise for my rights.”
Commenting on his camaraderie with Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis said he has a lot of respect for him and enjoys great rapport on and off the field.
“I have tremendous respect and admiration for Misbah as he is a very decent guy,” said Younis about his relationship with the 41-year-old. “The history of Pakistan cricket will never be complete without Misbah who has been a record-breaking skipper. The way he rebuilt the Pakistan team after the 2010 spot-fixing disaster is an achievement worth its weight in gold.”
On the thorny subject of captaincy which Younis relinquished on three different occasions in his career, including after the famous 2009 T20 World Cup win, he said he will be willing to accept it if it comes his way but will not run after the mantle.
“If I am offered captaincy, I will take it as I always put Pakistan’s interests as foremost. But if the PCB chooses to appoint any other young guy after Misbah hangs up his boots, I will have no qualms about playing under him,” said Younis, who will be leaving for the UAE on Sunday for the three-Test series against England.
