Younus offers resignation

Younus Khan has offered to step down as Pakistan captain in protest over accusations of match-fixing during the Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Pakistan lost to Australia in their final group game, leaving arch rivals India with no chance of advancing, and then went down to New Zealand in the semi-finals in a match they had been considered favourites to win. The defeat sparked outrage in Pakistan and chairman of the National Assembly standing committee on sports, Jamshed Dasti, accused Younus and the team of throwing matches.

Dasti, a member of the senate, later back-tracked on those allegations, but asked Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt, Younus and coach Intikhab Alam to appear before the National Assembly in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Vice-captain Shahid Afridi was also present for the meeting, which was called to probe Pakistan's losses in the Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan skipper was grilled at the meeting, prompting his decision to resign.

"I could not stand criticism from all and sundry as it was affecting my performance. That is why I resigned," Younus told The Dawn.

Younus said he would rather play as a batsman than a captain.

Intikhab confirmed Younus' decision to resign, saying: "It was an emotional decision on Younus' part to tender his resignation.

"We have rejected match-fixing allegations at the meeting."

Butt, however, has refused to accept Younus' resignation and is expected to take a decision on Tuesday after a discussion with the player.