The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Younis Khan as the batting coach of the national team till the ICC T20 World Cup in 2022 in Australia.
The former Pakistani captain has scored over 10000 runs in Test cricket, and over 7000 runs in ODIs. The right-hander also led the Pakistan team in their triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in 2009.
The PCB Chief Executive, Wasim Khan, said that “he is happy that Younis Khan is extended his role as a batting coach till the 2022 T20 World Cup. Wasim Khan praised Younis’ impact on the team in the time he spent in England. He is also confident that Younis Khan, with his second to none work ethic and knowledge, will guide the youngsters in the team to a better future.”
It has also been confirmed that in the off-cricket season, Younis will work in Karachi at High-Performance centre where he will be helping young batters to sharpen their skills. Along with Younis, his former teammate, Mohammad Yousuf, will also be employed in the high-performance centre. PCB is working to deploy this strategy in all major cities of Pakistan.
“The PCB will also be utilising Younis Khan’s expertise and skills when he’s not on national duty as he will help local batsmen hone their skills. This is part of the PCB’s strategy to appoint highly-qualified and respected coaches across all major centres of the country so that we can start producing cricketers who can represent Pakistan with distinction.”
“This High Performance Centre element follows the recruitment of Mohammed Yousuf, who is based at the National High Performance Centre, meaning that the PCB has two of the very best contemporary ex-batters adding significant value and fulfilling important roles with developing and guiding the current and the future generation of Pakistan batsmen.”
After the confirmation of his permanent role as a batting coach, Younis Khan said that he is happy to extend his services for the national team after the England tour. The 42-year-old is honoured with this opportunity and is looking forward to the New Zealand tour.
“I am pleased to join the Pakistan cricket set-up on a long-term basis. I felt honoured when I was given the opportunity this summer and thoroughly enjoyed my time, and I now look forward to continuing the work with the same group of people on an important tour of New Zealand.
“I am particularly happy that my scope of work has been extended beyond the national duties. I am equally interested and keen at working at the domestic level by identifying potential batsmen and then helping them improve their skills.”
On Tuesday Babar Azam was appointed as the Test captain and replaced Azhar Ali. Under head coach, Misbah-Ul-Haq, bowling coach, Waqar Younis and the batting coach, Younis Khan, Pakistan team will tour to New Zealand for 3 T20Is and 2 Tests in December. Pakistan defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 in the ODI series and 3-0 in the T20I series at home.
