Younis Khan to retire after World Cup

BRISBANE: Under-fire veteran Pakistan batsman Younis Khan today announced that he will retire from one-day international cricket after the ongoing World Cup.

However, the 37-year-old Pakistan batsman will continue to be available for selection in Test matches.

"I will retire from ODI cricket after 2015 World Cup. Will continue to play Test cricket," Khan tweeted.

The veteran batsman, who was made to open the innings in the first match against India, was out for a disappointing 6 runs after fending off a rising delivery from Mohammed Shami.

Brought back to his favourite No.3 position, Younis was then out for a golden duck with West Indies quick Jerome Taylor getting him caught behind.

Pakistan were beaten by rivals India before slumping to a 150-run defeat to the Jason Holder-led last Saturday.

The veteran batsman has served the national team in 263 ODIs during his 15-year-long career, scoring 7203 runs at an average of 31.31.

The move comes after a number of former Pakistani players called for his retirement following a string of poor scores in the ODI format.

Younis was not an automatic choice for the 50-over showpiece event but a century against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in December and the experience earned him a place in the 15-member squad.

"I beg of Younis. Thank you for your services to Pakistan cricket but please leave this ODI side now," former Test captain Rameez Raja said to a private channel today.

"I think Younis should tell the management he should be rested," Raja said.

Younis' former team mate Shoaib Akhtar has also joined the chorus demanding his retirement.

Senior cricketers like Shahid Afridi and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq have already announced their decision to retire from the ODIs after the showpiece event. Younis' retirement now could leave a gaping hole in the Pakistani batting unit.

Pakistan's next Pool B fixture is against Zimbabwe at the Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday.