Pakistan, NZ were reluctant to play 4th ODI after terror attack: Younis Khan

Karachi, Dec 23: Former captain, Younis Khan has said that both the Pakistan and New Zealand teams were reluctant to play the in Abu Dhabi following the terrorist attack on Army Public High School in Peshawar on December 16.

The Pakistan cricket board came in for strong criticism for not postponing the match after the deadly incident in which some 132 school children were killed by terrorists. Younis was the only Pakistani player to have openly voiced his opinion that the players were not in a state of mind to play the match and it should be postponed.

"Not only us but even the New Zealand players were shaken by the incident as it was very tragic and sad," Younis said on the sidelines of a function yesterday. (Players to visit terror-hit school)

"Both teams were reluctant to play the match but went ahead and dedicated it to the slain children," he added. Younis also disclosed that the New Zealand one-day captain, Kane Williamson and some other players had sent cash and some other gifts for the children who had survived.

"I will definitely be going to Peshawar soon to visit the children who were lucky to survive the attack and I will distribute the cash and gifts the New Zealand has given for them," Younis said.

"Our team also wants to do something for the children we want to show them they are not alone and we want to help them get over this tragedy," he added.

According to sources, Williamson contributed the prize money of the five one-dayers and handed it over to Younis. Speaking about his future plans, Younis said he had made up his mind on what to do after the World Cup but would only disclose them at the right time.

"I don't think this is the right time to discuss those plans with you because right now my focus is and the entire team's focus should only be on the World Cup," he told reporters.

The senior batsman, who scored three successive centuries against Australia in the recent tests in UAE, said one of his two remaining ambitions was to play in the World Cup next year and do well and contribute to Pakistan doing well.

"I want to do well in the World Cup and I think we have a good team. Only thing is that the players need to have more self-belief in their abilities to do well," he said.

PTI