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'You Are Kid, Stay Away...,' Mohammad Amir Reveals How Younis Khan Dealt With Politics

Soumyajit Dutta

Younis Khan and Mohammad Amir [Source: @cricketpakcompk/X.com]Younis Khan and Mohammad Amir [Source: @cricketpakcompk/X.com]

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has shed light on how ex-captain Younis Khan navigated internal divisions within the squad during his tenure as skipper. Younis, who led Pakistan to their historic 2009 T20 World Cup triumph stepped down from captaincy after the 2009 Champions Trophy. 

Mohammad Amir’s recent remarks highlight Younis’s hands-on leadership during a turbulent phase marked by cliques in the team as he shared an impressive gesture from Younis' side to shield emerging talents from the heat of politics.

Amir Reveals Younis' Responsible And Caring Leadership

Reflecting on a 2009 ODI series loss to New Zealand, Amir recalled Younis summoning him and two other young players to his room for a candid discussion. 

“He said, ‘I know everything that has been happening with the team. I don’t need to tell you that, but you are kids and you have to serve Pakistan cricket and stay away from these things,’” Amir revealed during an interview as quoted by cricketpakistan.com.  

Younis Khan, widely respected for his leadership and strategizing abilities, assured the trio he would manage the simmering tensions himself, as recalled by Amir.

“'Whatever is going on, I will handle it. I am the leader and I will manage this.’ This is the role of a leader.” Amir added, praising Younis’s resolve to shield younger players from off-field politics.  

Younis, The Remarkable Player

The legendary batter, Younis, who retired from all formats in 2017, boasts a decorated career. With a Test average above 50, Younis is the only Pakistani to score a triple-century and a double-century on Indian soil. 

Younis also holds the unique distinction of scoring Test centuries in 11 countries. After retiring from T20Is after the 2009 World Cup win, he bid farewell to ODIs in 2015.  

Amir's Impressive Career

Speaking of Amir, the ex-pacer of Pakistan also had a shiny career taking 119 wickets in 36 Tests at an average of 30.47, including four five-wicket hauls. 

In ODIs, he has claimed 81 wickets in 61 matches at 29.62, with a best of 5/30. In T20Is, Amir has picked up 71 wickets in 62 games at an economy of 7.07, with a best of 4/13. His overall T20 record includes 364 wickets in 316 matches at an average of 22.60, with a best of 6/17.