Younis in doubt for entire group stage by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi
Event:	ICC Champions Trophy 2009/10

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DateLine: 23rd September 2009

 

Pakistan captain Younis Khan who has already been ruled out for their first match against West Indies could end up missing entire group stage campaign of the CT.

 

The right-handed batsman has been ruled out due to a hand injury.

 

"Second X-rays have confirmed that it is a hairline fracture in his right index finger and it will take time to heal," a source in the Pakistan Cricket Board told a news agency.

 

"Although the team management in South Africa have decided to handle Younus' case on a match by match basis but there are strong chances he might not be able to play in the remaining group matches against India and Australia as well," the source said.

 

In Younis' absence, Shahid Afridi will take charge of the side for their opening encounter against a depleted West Indies outfit.

 

Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed said from Johannesburg that since it was a fracture It would take some time to heal.

 

"We decided to not play Younis in the first match to give him more time to rest and recover. If he is fit he will play against India on September 26," Yawar said.

 

The Pakistan manager also said Younis practiced in the nets today but didn't feel comfortable because of the injury.

 

The injury to Younis gives a good break to Afridi, who has voiced his desire to lead his team in ODI's after he was named captain of the Twenty20 side following Pakistan's victory in the T20 World Cup in June.

 

"If Younis is unable to play apart from the captaincy issue the team will also have to recover and try to find a dependable number three position batsman as Younis has been successful on this position in all forms of the game," the source said.