Younis Khan urges India to go ahead with Pakistan tour

Karachi, Nov 24 (PTI) Senior batsman Younis Khan Monday
urged India to put aside security apprehensions and go ahead
with their tour of Pakistan scheduled early next year.

Younis said most countries are grappling with security
issues and India needed to support Pakistan cricket by going
ahead with the tour, featuring three Tests, five one-day
internationals and a Twenty20 game.

"The security situation globally is a problem but life
goes on and I would urge India to tour Pakistan," Younis said.

"As a player I would love to play India in my country and
I would definitely like the series to go ahead on schedule,"
he said.

India has still not confirmed the tour starting from
January 4 as it is awaiting clearance from its government
which is reviewing the security situation in Pakistan.

Younis said he was confident that the series would take
place and cricket fans in the sub-continent would get to see a
good contest featuring the traditional rivals. Younis in fact
went on to say that though India was in scintillating form,
Pakistan would prove equally tough when they lock horns.

"India might be doing well against other teams but I know
as a player when they play Pakistan it is different and our
players also rise above themselves to do well. England beat
Australia in 2005 but when they came to Pakistan they lost and
Test and one-day series," he said.

Meanwhile, the senior batsman backed the formation of a
proper players' association in Pakistan cricket.

"There is a need to have a registered players'
association in Pakistan as this would go a long way in
resolving problems faced by players," Younis said.

Recently Pakistan vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq sent a paper
to the constitution committee of the Sports Ministry asking
them to include clauses in the constitution which allow and
recognise a players association.

"I met with the Australian players' association officials
in Australia and I think our players also need a platform to
resolve our issues," he said.

Younis said a players' association would ensure that the
players' rights were well protected and there was proper
communication between the board and the cricketers.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif also supported the
idea.

"I have prepared a constitution for the formation of a
players' association and given it to the board. Players need
to be involved in many decisions taken by the board," he said.
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