LAHORE: Former captain and veteran batsman Younus Khan, who led Pakistan to their only Twenty20 world title, has lambasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), claiming that the Board did not invite him for the launch of much-delayed Pakistan Super League (PSL) T20 event in Lahore. Younus appeared on TV while the ceremony was being held in Lahore to claim he was upset at the treatment meted out to him by the PCB. “I was not invited for the ceremony. They ignored my accomplishments for Pakistan and my achievements in T20 cricket,” Younus complained. “But in a way it is good because they have sent me a clear message that where I stand as far as the PSL is concerned and if I will be a part of it or not,” he said. “It doesn’t matter to me at this stage of my career but it is disappointing not being invited for the PSL launch after having served Pakistan cricket for so long,” he added. The PSL launch ceremony went ahead without greats like Younus, Javed Miandad or even Imran Khan.

An official of the PCB, however, claimed that Younus was invited for the ceremony. “Invitation cards were sent out,” he said. But Pakistan’s former captain Rashid Latif said it was an insult to greats like Younus and Miandad that no one from the Board tried to convince them to attend the ceremony nor were any air tickets sent to them. “Simple invitation cards were sent to former players that is all. Is this the way to hold such a big event by treating your greats at par with other guests,” he said. Younus minced no words in criticising the PCB and said he was disappointed at the way he was treated. Younus’ is the only Pakistan captain to have led the national team to its only World T20 title in 2009 in England before he retired from the format. To add to the embarrassment for the PCB even former heads of the board, based in Lahore, including Ijaz Butt, Khalid Mehmood, Tauqir Zia and Zaka Ashraf were all conspicuous by their absence.

Earlier this week Pakistan’s former captain Wasim Akram had advised Younus to focus on Test cricket instead of ODIs. But Younus didn’t take kindly to the advice from Wasim. “I respect him a lot he is a legend of Pakistan cricket. But I think he should not bother or worry about me. Because after 15 years of international cricket I don’t think I need to take anyone’s advice to decide what to do about my career,” Younus said.