Former Pakistan batsman Younis Khan offered coaching role in Japan

Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan, who is the only batsman from the country to score 10,000 Test runs, is all set to coach budding cricketers in Japan. The Japanese team is organized by the Japan Cricket Association, which has been a member of the International Cricket Council since 1989. Between 2008 and 2012, Japan also had the opportunity to participate in the World Cricket League, even reaching WCL Division Five at one point.

In April 2018, the ICC decided to grant full Twenty20 International (T20I) status to all its members. As a result, all Twenty20 matches played between Japan and other ICC members after 1 January 2019 will be considered as T20I. Younis is undoubtedly one of Pakistan‘s greatest batsmen. He maintained a Test batting average over 50, scored a triple hundred and even notched up a famous double-century against India in India.

The Pakistan legend

As a captain, he enjoyed success when he led Pakistan to their only World Twenty20 title in 2009, two years after they came marginally close to winning it in the inaugural edition of the tournament in South Africa. The rearguard specialist had several county stints in England as well, thus being able to perfect his Test batting abilities. He represented counties such as Nottinghamshire, Surrey, Warwickshire and Yorkshire, and also spent some time with South Australia.

Younis retired from international cricket in March 2017 taking part in a dramatic farewell Test which Pakistan won in the final minutes of the fifth day’s play against the Windies. Pakistan thus registered their first ever Test series victory in the Caribbean, which was a fitting farewell for both Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq.

What was Younis’ response to the offer?

As per the Pakistan-born and Japan-based businessman Abid Hussain’s communication with Geo News, the batting legend has responded positively to his offer to coach players in Japan. Hussain also mentioned that he always wanted to have Pakistani players visiting Japan in order to motivate cricket fans, and his offer to Younis is just another step towards achieving this goal. The businessman shared that he has offered the former cricketer to set up a coaching camp in Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagoya.

When contacted regarding this matter, Younis Khan confirmed that he has been in conversation with Hussain regarding his proposal. He is also pleased to see the gentleman’s game growing in popularity in nations which don’t have established international teams. When asked if he would be going to Japan, Younis said he would make a decision on this matter soon.

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