Younis Khan advocates longer relaxation period for players before mega events India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Pakistan cricket captain Younis Khan has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) and other cricket boards of the world to prepare the international cricketing calendar in such a way that it allows cricketers to take a brief break before any important tournament like the Champions Trophy or the World Cup. "I just feel that perhaps ICC and its member boards can sit down and work out a way to have a break in international cricket activities just before the start of a ICC event like the World Cup or Champions Trophy," Khan said. Interacting with media persons before leaving for Johannesburg, Khan said too much cricket before any mega event dilutes people's interest, besides putting players under pressure. "Too much cricket before major events only adds to the pressure on the players and also tends to dilute the growing anticipation of people before a big tournament. Maybe at least before a big tournament a complete break of eight to 10 days will not be a bad idea," The Daily Times quoted Khan, as saying. "I think that we are professionals and are supposed to perform. But at times it gets a bit unfair on us and I think a small break between series is a good idea," he added. Khan said too much cricket is being played these days which is affecting the quality of the game and standard of players. "I get the feeling that there is too much cricket being played internationally these days. It is leading to reduction of quality in players and standard which is not good for the sport. It also tends to add a lot of workload on the players and the pressure increases on them to perform all the time," he said.