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Johannesburg: Younis Khan was the first to realise that Pakistan cricket's overhaul would be incomplete without a strong Champions Trophy performance.
The process begins with a high-voltage bang on Saturday against India and the best news, then, could be the return of the outspoken skipper himself, who has recovered from the minor hairline fracture which threatened to jeopardize his participation. For the first time in ages, victory against India is important not only because of the traditional divide but also to prove that Pakistan belong on the world stage.
The World T20 win and Shahid Afridi's brilliance in England was a start, but this is where it all comes together following the long periods of frustration, the internal squabbles, a virtual apartheid and an unsettled team. It won't be easy. Pakistan need to shake off the disenchantment with the 50-over format they exhibited in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy affords little time.
Their record here, too, isn't much to gloat about, having won only two games and lost 10 against the top eight teams on South African soil since 2000. They haven't had a good run against India in ICC events either, but their only success came in this particular tournament in 2004, a narrow three-wicket win at Edgbaston.
Younis Khan has been tactfully outspoken about his frustration with the perpetually on-the-brink state of affairs in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and becoming only the second country after India to win all three major ICC events could help establish a road map for reclaiming lost ground. Add to that the self-belief gained from winning the World T20 and Pakistan could finally back intent with performance.
But can a maverick outfit's fierce desire help script the road to administrative and cricketing stability? Luckily, for a side relying basically on temperamental talents and some goodwill from above, Younis return has been the latest in a long line of good portents: The rehabilitation of Indian Cricket League players, the ongoing mellowing of Afridi and finally, the advent of a clutch of youngsters who could add match-winning depth.
The stuttering start against the only minnows, West Indies, was a case in point. Pakistan have always been slow starters in big events but a game they were expected to ease through threatened in parts to turn on its head. The ones who came out with top honours were young pace sensation Mohammad Aamer and the doughty Umer Akmal, who scored an unbeaten 41 on a difficult Wanderers pitch to guide the team home.
As Afridi pointed out, "Pakistanis love bravehearts" and Umer looked the part, playing on in pain after a nasty blow from a Tino Best beamer. But as coach Intikhab Alam said, the batsmen again created problems for themselves, leaving the bowlers to again hog the honours, with the indomitable Umar Gul adding fire to the mix.
What Pakistan missed in that opening game was a context to help stoke up passions. They also missed Younis Khan, with the bat and on the field. As Alam hinted, Younis' presence could prove vital against India: "Afridi showed a lot of maturity but I'm sure Younis will lead against India."
