Younis calls for Ashes-like series with India

NEW DELHI—The Test series between rivals India and Pakistan should be played along the lines of the Ashes to retain its charm, visiting vice-captain Younis Khan said here.
“The game is very popular in the two nations and people like to see us fight on the field. But we should organise India-Pakistan series every two years like the Ashes,” Younis, 29, told reporters.
“That way the teams will get more time to prepare and plan and the fun factor will increase.” The Ashes is played alternately in Australia and England every two years, with each series consisting of five Tests.
Pakistan will play five one-dayers and three Tests on the current six-week tour of India, their fourth full series in as many years after cricketing ties resumed in 2004 following a 15-year gap due to political tensions.
Pakistan last played in India in 2005 under the now-retired Inzamam-ul Haq, drawing the Test series 1-1 before winning 4-2 in the one-dayers.
Younis, with 4182 runs in 156 one-dayers, said players were still coming to terms with the pressure involved in the India-Pakistan contests as fans found it difficult to accept defeat. “Winning and losing is part of the game but our nations are still not ready to accept defeat,” he said.
Younis, who declined an offer to lead Pakistan after their disastrous World Cup campaign in March-April citing mental strain, said he took the vice-captain’s job this time because a senior was needed.“They needed someone to support the captain (Shoaib Malik) in the series against India. Salman Butt had a few issues with his batting and since I had the experience, I agreed to it,” the prolific right-hander said.
Butt, replaced by Younis, was dropped from the playing eleven in all the five matches of the preceding series against South Africa owing to poor form.
Younis also stressed the importance to play the game in the right spirit in the wake of on-field verbal duels between India and Australia last month.
“Cricket is a gentleman’s game and it should remain so. Contest should only be between bat and ball. Players must go out and enjoy instead of indulging in verbal wars.”Younis said he had also spoken to Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who lost his father recently.
“Sehwag is like a brother and we want to share his grief. We may be rivals on the field but off it we are like brothers, the question of being a Hindu or Muslim does not arise,” he said.
Malik and manager Talat Ali visited Sehwag’s house on Friday to offer condolences, setting the right mood ahead of the series which opens with a one-day international in Guwahati on Monday.—Agencies