I Did What I Thought Was Right Says Younis

Karachi: Anguished and perplexed by the stinging criticism he faced after Pakistan's semi-final loss in the Champions Trophy, Younis Khan says a feeling of being betrayed by people in the echelon of power pushed him into resigning from captaincy.

"I did what I thought was the right thing. I have worked very hard to keep this team united for the last eight months despite problems. So when anyone accuses me or the team of fixing matches then I have no option but to resign," Younis said.

Younis said apart from being hurt by allegations of match fixing, there were some other issues as well that prompted him to hand over his resignation to Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt.

"I don't want to elaborate on them but the last eight months have been tough for me and I have still tried to do my best as captain and player to unite the team," he said.

"I played with a broken finger in the Champions Trophy because I wanted the team to do well. I have always tried to lead from the front. I may have made some mistakes but my intentions have only been for the betterment of the team and Pakistan cricket," he added.

Younis said after putting in so much effort, it was natural for him to feel upset when fingers were pointed at his decisions and the team's performances.

Younis also indicated that he was not satisfied with the board's way of dealing with certain issues concerning the team.

"I will have a very frank discussion with the Chairman of the board whenever he invites me to discuss my resignation because some issues need to be sorted out like the term of my captaincy," he said.

Younis said he was astonished by the sharp criticism as he had led the team to the Twenty20 World Cup title just a few months ago.

"As captain in the last eight months I have set certain goals for myself and the team and I just want to know what this criticism against me is about. Has the team not shown any improvement in the last eight months? Is there no difference in the performance of the side now?" he asked.

Sources said Younis is also upset at the way the board Chairman had been entertaining the team officials and some players in separate meetings without bothering to talk to him.

Younis said he would not like to be called for any hearing of the parliamentary body in future as his job was to perform as a player and not to give explanations to everyone about the team's performance.

"The board and team officials are the ones who are the right people to give answers if anyone wants to know anything about the team," he said.