FAISALABAD, Dec 7: Pakistan vice captain and prolific batsman Younis Khan was forced to rush home on Thursday after the tragic news of his brother Farman Khan’s death in Germany.
The shocking news arrived barely minutes after Younis was dismissed for 24 in the second ODI against the West Indies at the Iqbal Stadium. Younis faced a similar situation about a year ago when his younger brother expired in Ukraine during the away series against the West Indies.
Very sad news indeed. Younis has lost his father and two brothers in the last two years. May Allah help Younis and his family in this difficult time and give them strength and sabr - Amen
Younis Khan’s further participation in the ODI series against West Indies is uncertain after his elder brother, Farman Khan, passed away from a prolonged ailment in Germany on Thursday at the age of 40.
Younis was batting in the second ODI in Faisalabad when the news of his brother’s death reached the team management. Younis only came to know about the situation after he returned to the pavilion at the end of his innings. Younis, immediately, left for his home town Mardan.
Last year, during the England tour to Pakistan, Younis faced a similar situation when his younger brother died in an accident in Ukraine. Earlier in the year, Younis had to fly back from a tour to Australia after his father had passed away.
Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s captain, told a local news channel that the team’s thoughts were with Younis and that there wouldn’t be any pressure on him returning for this series.
Pakistan will also be able to welcome back Mohammad Yousuf for the third ODI in Lahore on December 10. Yousuf left the squad before the second ODI to be with his wife who is expecting a child. Wasim Bari, chairman of selectors, told Cricinfo that Yousuf had confirmed his availability and they would only consider changes to the squad after the third ODI.
“Yousuf will be available for the third ODI. I have kept in touch with Inzamam over these two matters and we felt there was no need for a change to the squad just yet,” he said. “After the third ODI we will see whether any changes or additions are needed.”
According to information on www.dawn.com, he died during a liver transplant in Germany.
Cricket-Pakistan's Younis to miss third one-day match LAHORE, Pakistan, Dec 5 (AFP) Pakistan vice-captain Younis Khan will miss the third one-day international against the West Indies after his brother died in Germany after a failed liver transplant, chief selector Wasim Bari said Friday. "At this moment in time we don't know whether he will be able to play the remainder of the series or not," Bari said. Mohammad Yousuf, who missed the second match at Faisalabad to be with his wife who is expecting a child, will return to the 14-man squad for the third match to be played here on Sunday. (Posted @ 16:50 PST)
It is very sad to hear such a tragedic news. May Allah give Younis and all his family the strength to handle this loss, and keep the departed soul in His mercy.
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