Younis Khan challenges ICC chairman Jay Shah to bring India to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has put on a strong challenge to newly-appointed ICC Chairman Jay Shah, urging him to show true sportsmanship by ensuring India's participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

Younis Khan, who has always been an advocate for fostering strong cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, emphasized the importance of Jay Shah's chairmanship in uplifting the game globally.

Younis Khan urges Jay Shah to ensure India's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The legendary batter believes that Jay Shah will be crucial in breaking down barriers and starting India's long-awaited return to Pakistan for an international tournament. The legendary batter welcomed the appointment of the former BCCI secretary as the ICC chairman while expressing hope that his tenure will bring positive changes to the game across the world.

He stressed that Jay Shah's influence could pave the way for India to travel to Pakistan, which will not only improve their cricketing relations but also serve as a significant gesture of goodwill in the game.

Younis Khan was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan: “The cricket should uplift with the appointment of Jay Shah as the ICC chief. Jay Shah needs to show the sportsman spirit, as with the good initiatives of the ICC chief, India can come to Pakistan to play cricket. In the same way, Pakistan can visit India.”

There is a dire need for Pakistan players to boost their morale: Younis Khan

Meanwhile, Younis didn’t shy away from addressing Pakistan's recent struggles on the field. Reflecting on Pakistan’s humiliating 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test, the legendary batter said they need to play with renewed determination and pride.

Younis, who famously led Pakistan to their 2009 T20 World Cup victory, urged the Shan Masood-led Pakistan team to rise above these challenges and show some courage after their crushing defeat against Bangladesh.

He questioned the benefits of home advantage if the players can’t handle the associated pressures, calling for a much-needed boost in morale to make a strong comeback in the second Test, starting on August 30 in Rawalpindi.

He added, “There is always pressure to play cricket in home conditions. What is the benefit to the players if they cannot absorb the pressure? There is a dire need for the players to boost their morale. Everybody has seen that whether the pitch was fast or slow. We have clinched victories at that time when no international cricket was happening in the country.”

Younis slams PCB chairman for his statement on Pakistan cricket

Younis also reacted to comments made by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi after the team’s embarrassing loss to Bangladesh in the opening game of the ongoing Test series at home. Naqvi had lamented the lack of depth in Pakistan's player pool.

However, the former Pakistan coach expressed his disagreement with the PCB chief’s assessment, saying their domestic circuit is brimming with talent, ready to be nurtured and brought to the international stage.

He dismissed concerns about a lack of resources, emphasizing that the country has always had the potential to produce world-class cricketers. Younis signed off by saying, “I’m not sure why the PCB chairman feels there’s no talent in domestic cricket. We have immense talent in our domestic circuit.”