I have a lot of respect for Younis Khan, wonderful working with him in PSL: Darren Sammy

As the cricketing fraternity pours tributes in unison on the retiring Pakistan legend Younis Khan, Darren Sammy wasn’t one to be left behind. The two-time World T20 winning captain worked with Younis during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League. Sammy was the skipper of Peshawar Zalmi where Younis worked as a mentor.

Both worked in harmony to lead Peshawar to the PSL title beating Quetta Gladiators by 58 runs in the final held at Lahore. Sammy said the legendary batsman’s cool and calm demeanor helped the team deal with pressure situations.

“I have a lot of respect for legendary Younis Khan, it was a wonderful experience to work with him during Pakistan Super League’s second season,”said Sammy in a statement on Wednesday.

“Younis’ presence was key in motivating the Peshawar Zalmi players in the dressing room,” said Sammy. “I was really impressed by the way he tackled the pressure situations and guided the team and because of his presence we succeeded in lifting the title.”

Younis knowledge vital for youngsters

Though Younis will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the ongoing Test match on Sunday, he will be involved with the game in some capacity which will help in using the stalwart’s experience which is vital for youngsters, something which Sammy emphasized too.

“As mentor of Peshawar Zalmi squad, Younis was always willing to pass on his knowledge to younger player and that experience will be vital for the younger players in the years to come.”

Younis called time on his glittering career last month when he announced his decision to retire in a press conference in Karachi. He will finish his career being the only batsman from Pakistan to record 10,000 Test runs apart from 34 test centuries, which is also the highest by a Pakistan player. At 39, Younis still had a year’s cricket left in him but he stands firm on his decision to walk away soon after speculation of him carrying on if the team insists surfaced.

Salute to Misbah and Younis

Apart from Younis, Misbah Ul Haq will too retire along with Younis. Both have been great servants of Pakistan cricket for over a decade. Misbah took Pakistan cricket out of the spot-fixing saga to lead them to the No. 1 Test ranking last year. The 42-year old will finish his career as the most successful captain of Pakistan. Sammy paid tributes to both cricketing greats.

“I salute both Younis and Misbah-ul Haq for their outstanding achievements for their country. Pakistan will miss the legendary duo,” concluded Sammy.

The Misbah-Younis retirement will leave a big void in the Pakistan Test middle-order. Former Pakistani greats are not impressed with the timing of both cricketers exit saying that Younis could have stayed on for a year to ensure a smooth transition.