Rashid Latif urges PCB chairman to utilize Younis Khan for cricket development

Former Pakistan Test captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has called on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to make better use of former captain Younis Khan's expertise for the growth and development of cricket in the country.

Former Pakistan Test captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has called on Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to make better use of former captain Younis Khan’s expertise for the growth and development of cricket in the country. Latif believes that experienced former players like Younis Khan can play a significant role in nurturing young talent and strengthening Pakistan’s cricket structure.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Younis Khan Cricket Academy at KHA Legend Arena in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Rashid Latif stressed the need to put Pakistan cricket on the right path by involving accomplished cricketers in the development process. He said Younis Khan’s vast experience and commitment to the game make him one of the best individuals to guide the next generation of players.

Latif also reflected on Karachi’s rich cricketing history, noting that there was a time when the Pakistan national team featured a large number of players from the city. However, he said the situation has changed over the years, and Karachi no longer contributes players at the same level as it once did.

Highlighting the importance of Karachi’s Malir district, Rashid Latif said the area has produced several outstanding cricketers, including Saeed Anwar, Khurram Manzoor, Asim Kamal, Younis Khan, and himself. According to him, the region has long been a breeding ground for cricketing talent and deserves continued investment in player development.

The former captain also pointed out that while many of Younis Khan’s contemporaries are seeking positions within the Pakistan Cricket Board, Younis has remained focused on serving the game by working directly with aspiring cricketers. Latif praised this dedication, saying it reflects Younis Khan’s genuine passion for Pakistan cricket.

Rashid Latif expressed confidence that the Younis Khan Cricket Academy will help revive grassroots cricket in Karachi by providing young players with quality coaching and professional guidance. He emphasized that similar initiatives can strengthen the country’s cricketing future if supported by the PCB and other stakeholders.

Concluding his remarks, Latif paid tribute to Younis Khan’s remarkable achievements, describing his record of more than 10,000 Test runs and 34 Test centuries as an extraordinary milestone. He said cricketers of Younis Khan’s caliber are produced only once in a generation, making it essential for Pakistan cricket to benefit from his experience and leadership.