KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said he is ready to serve Pakistan cricket in any capacity, provided he is given the freedom to perform his responsibilities without unnecessary interference. Speaking to reporters in Karachi, the legendary batter said he has consistently conveyed the same message to successive Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairmen: if entrusted with a role, he should be allowed to carry it out independently. “I have always told PCB chairmen that if you give me a role, give me the complete opportunity to do the job. Don’t tie my hands,” Younis said. Addressing speculation that he seeks greater authority within the cricket setup, the former skipper dismissed the perception, insisting that his focus has always been on delivering results rather than acquiring power. “I often hear people saying Younis Khan wants power. What would I do with power?” he remarked, adding that he has never pursued positions for influence but has instead emphasized the importance of professional autonomy. Younis said that whenever he discussed working with the PCB, his only condition was to be allowed to build and develop the team according to the responsibilities assigned to him. He also downplayed the importance of financial incentives, saying that freedom to work effectively mattered more than salary or contractual packages. “For me, independence in my work and the ability to deliver are far more important than any package,” he said. “If I were ever to negotiate over financial matters, it would be for the player in the weakest position, not for myself.” Reflecting on Pakistan cricket’s future, Younis expressed confidence that the national team could regain its former strength if players accepted greater responsibility and adopted a long-term mindset. He recalled the period after the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, when the departure of senior players created challenges but also opened opportunities for younger cricketers to step up. “We accepted responsibility after the 2003 World Cup. If today’s players think bigger and take ownership, the results will also be bigger and more positive,” he said. Younis’ comments come amid ongoing discussions about Pakistan cricket’s direction and the role experienced former players can play in rebuilding the national team’s competitiveness.

MULTAN: Pakistan Greens captain Shadab Khan believes his bowling is steadily improving as his unbeaten side prepares to face Pakistan Gold in the final of the National Champions Cup 2026. Greens have enjoyed an impressive run through the tournament, winning all three of their matches under Shadab’s leadership. Their consistent performances have also been powered by a strong batting display from Fakhar Zaman, who has emerged as one of the competition’s standout performers. Fakhar has scored two successive centuries and currently leads the tournament’s run-scoring charts with 238 runs at an outstanding average of 119. Shadab praised his team’s overall approach, saying the players had adapted well to local conditions and successfully carried forward the work completed during the recent National Cricket Academy (NCA) white-ball camp. “Our attitude in the field has been really good,” Shadab told the Pakistan Cricket Board’s digital platform. He said the squad contained several players familiar with the conditions and credited the entire team for building on their preparations at the NCA. “The whole team has put in a great effort and for me they all stand out,” the all-rounder added. Despite Greens’ unbeaten record, Shadab is not taking Gold lightly. He warned that their opponents’ route to the final made them particularly dangerous, with Gold securing qualification after taking advantage of a narrow opportunity. “We will try to keep things simple in tomorrow’s final while also knowing that a team like Gold that got into the final through a small opportunity can be dangerous,” he said. The final will provide another important test for Shadab, who is looking to make a bigger contribution with both bat and ball. He has so far taken two wickets in three matches, while his batting scores have included an unbeaten 34, 61 and seven. Shadab said he was encouraged by the gradual improvement in his bowling and remained focused on contributing whenever his team needed him. “I feel my bowling is also improving gradually, and with the bat I try to stand up whenever the team needs me,” he said. With Fakhar in outstanding form and Greens carrying an unbeaten record, Shadab’s side will enter the final with confidence. However, the captain knows Gold can upset the odds if his players lose focus in the decisive contest.