Karachi, September 22: In what could be a major setback for Pakistan Cricket team, skipper Younis Khan has been ruled out from his team’s Champions Trophy opener against West Indies in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The ouster means the reigns of the Pakistan ODI team will be in the hands of Shahid Afridi, who also is the team’s T20 skipper.
Younis suffered a hairline fracture in his index finger during the warm up match against Sri Lanka at Benoni three days back and there was some confusion over the exact nature of his injury.
Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed, who had initially played down the injury as nothing serious, had a different version to give after Younis had a fresh X-ray on Monday.
“Younis will decide himself on Tuesday after having nets whether he can play the first match. But even if he does not play against the West Indies he will be fit in time for the big game against India on the 26th,” Yawar said.
Younis didn’t play in the second warm up match on Saturday due to the injury.
If he is unable to play then vice-captain Shahid Afridi will lead the side for the tournament.
—Agencies