Younus Khan says he's available for Australia tour - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Pakistan cricket captain Younus Khan, who opted out of the New Zealand series citing need for rest, has announced his availability for the forthcoming Australia tour. Khan told media persons during a press conference here that he has already informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about his decision. Khan, however, declined to comment on queries whether he would return to the team as captain, saying: " It would be decided in due course of time." PCB chairman Ijaz Butt, who was also present at the press conference, said the media would soon be informed about Khan's status in the team, The Dawn reports. The PCB, last week had appointed middle order batsman Mohammad Yousuf as the captain of the Test team for the three match Test series against New Zealand. Wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal was made Yousuf's deputy for the series against the Kiwis. Sources said Khan himself had urged the selectors not to consider him for the series against the Black Caps as he needed a break from the hectic international schedule, but insiders revealed it was much more than what was reported. Earlier, three senior players of the team had reportedly asked Butt to remove Khan, saying his imposing attitude was affecting team performance. It has also been revealed that Khan, following his soft dismissal in last and final one-day international against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, had an altercation with some of his senior teammates. Sources said that Khan does not share a cordial relationship with some senior players like vice-captain Shahid Afridi, former captain Shoaib Malik, and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq. The absence of prolific middle order batsman Mohammad Yousuf from the last ODI against the Kiwis also highlighted that all was not well inside the Pakistani dressing room.