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Younus aims for Pakistan return
Former Yorkshire ace Younus Khan is ready and waiting should he get the call from Pakistan this summer.
And should it come for this month's Test match against Australia at Headingley Carnegie, no player would take greater pleasure in gracing the Yorkshire turf.
Khan has fond memories of the Tykes' HQ from 2007, when he was Yorkshire's overseas man under the captaincy of Darren Gough.
It was a season in which the Tykes looked on course to win the County Championship only to finish fourth-bottom, but that doesn't stop the former Pakistan captain speaking warmly about his time here.
Khan has plied his trade since in both the Indian Premier League, with Rajasthan Royals, and Down Under with South Australia before coming back to English shores with Surrey this year.
It is a year that began with Khan being banned from the Pakistan national team for allegedly inciting divisions within the camp but, happily, that decision has now been rescinded and the 32-year-old is available for selection for this summer's games.
One such game comes at Khan's former stomping ground, Headingley Carnegie, later this month and it's a stadium that will always hold a special place in the batsman's heart.
Back in the area this week to promote the forthcoming Test match and Yorkshire cricket mela, Khan told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "Headingley is fantastic and I've always been happy playing there, ever since coming to England.
"I played there for Yorkshire back in 2007 and I also have experience of playing there for Surrey this season. It's a fantastic ground, I love coming to Headingley and I always enjoy myself there."
Khan's first class career now principally revolves around Surrey and the Oval, but he is highly excited about the prospect of a Test match between Pakistan and Australia taking place in Leeds – whether or not he plays.
And the Mardan-born ace is urging the county's cricket enthusiasts, and Asian community in particular, to get involved.
"It's a fantastic opportunity," said Khan. "There is a big Asian community in the Yorkshire area and I think they have got to support the Pakistan team.
"They don't want to be playing in front of no people and this is a good chance to see a Test match, so the main thing is that the fans support Pakistan at Headingley.
"That support is really valued so I really hope they come and watch and back the team."
Two players of Asian descent currently shining for Yorkshire are Ajmal Shahzad and Adil Rashid, who have both been involved with the England set-up.
Khan – only the third overseas Asian cricketer to play for Yorkshire following Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh – is delighted to see the progress of Rashid and Shahzad and concedes they will be proud as punch to represent their country.
"I am really happy for them," he said. "Adil and now Ajmal have played for England and it's great for them that they are going on to achieve this and also great for Yorkshire.
"They are originally from Britain and it's great to see them playing for England. This is where they were born, this is their country, so it's nice that their dreams come true."
Khan is also thrilled to see Yorkshire doing well this term with Andrew Gale's side currently top of both the County Championship and their group of the Clydesdale Bank 40.
"They are doing a fantastic job," he said. "They have had some bad times since 2007, but now they are performing at their best. It's good work from Yorkshire."
Looking back on his time with the White Rose, Khan enthused: "It was fantastic at Yorkshire. I love a lot of good memories from my time here so it's great to see them in a good position. Hopefully, they can go on from here and pick up a trophy or two.
"They were there for me when I was at Yorkshire so I am here for them now, hoping they do well."
Khan will certainly hope to be on the field of play come July 21 at Headingley Carnegie when Pakistan's summer goes up another gear with their Test clash against Ricky Ponting's all-conquering Australia side.
Pakistan then begin their summer/autumn NatWest Series against England and, with or without him, the former Tyke expects Andrew Strauss' side to take some stopping.
Khan, who has been impressed by and has full of respect for the England side, said: "They are doing well. They are a fit team. Their bowling is good, their batting is good and Strauss is coming back – the captain.
"They have good support, good coaching and supporting staff, and I think they are in very good shape."
And so too is Khan.
He is 33 in November but says he is enjoying his cricket with Surrey as much as ever.
What his international future holds remains to be seen, but Khan would jump at the chance to resume playing for Pakistan as he approaches the twilight of his career.
"My future is good," said Khan, who played over 150 ODIs for Pakistan and over 50 Test matches. "I play county cricket here and I would love to play again for Pakistan.
"My first class cricket is here but whenever Pakistan call me I will play for them."
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Weather for Leeds
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
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Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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Wind direction: North east
