Younis was upset by claims the team underperformed under his leadership

Pakistan's Younus Khan looks likely to return to international cricket soon but says he is not sure if he is going to lead the side again.

Younus quit as captain, saying he had "lost command", after a one-day series against New Zealand, and was left out of the Test series against Australia.

But he is likely to be picked for the one-day series which follows the Tests.

"I am now fresh to concentrate on my career but I am not ready to say a word on my future as captain," he said.

Younus, 32, has played 63 Tests since his debut in February 2000. He has 16 centuries and a batting average in excess of 50.

606: DEBATE Younus Khan is great captain and leader, unfortunately certain elements of Pakistan cricket team ganged up against him and made him resign ffc007

Despite a career-best score of 313 in a home Test against Sri Lanka in February, and leading the team to success in the ICC World Twenty20 in June, his recent form has not been outstanding.

After performing poorly in a short series against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates he stepped down, ostensibly to regain form in domestic cricket, though he actually went missing, eventually appearing at a five-day coaching course conducted by the National Cricket Academy.

However, head of selectors Iqbal Qasim has indicated Younus could now be considered for selection.

"I had a discussion with Younus recently and believe that he is in a positive frame of mind," Qasim said.

"Once he plays in domestic matches then he would certainly be considered for the one-day series against Australia."

Pakistan play five one-dayers against Australia following their three-Test series.

Pakistan Test squad: Salman Butt, Khurram Manzoor, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Yousuf (captain), Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Fawad Alam, Faisal Iqbal, Kamran Akmal, Danish Kaneria, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamer, Abdul Rauf, Umar Akmal.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version