Younis Khan steps down as Pakistan's batting coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board and batting coach Younis Khan have mutually agreed to part ways ahead of Pakistan's tours of England and West Indies, the board announced on Tuesday (June 22).

Younis was appointed as Pakistan's batting coach last year in November on a two-year contract until the 2022 T20 World Cup. Pakistan will now travel to England without a batting coach, while the decision to appoint Younis' replacement for the West Indies tour will be made in due course.

"It is sad to lose an expert of the stature and experience of Younis Khan. Following a series of discussions, we both have reluctantly but mutually and amicably agreed that it was time to move in different directions," said PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan.

"I want to thank Younis Khan for his contributions during his short stint as the Pakistan men’s national cricket team’s batting coach and hope he will remain available to assist the PCB by sharing his vast knowledge with the emerging cricketers."

The announcement was followed by speculation that Younis himself had decided to quit the position as he was not happy with his role and wanted a greater say in selection matters. According to PTI, he was not satisfied with the way the national team is being prepared for the future.

The right-handed batsman retired from international cricket in 2017. Younis played 408 international games for Pakistan and amassed close to 18000 runs across all three formats.

Pakistan are scheduled to play three ODIs and as many T20Is in England in July before flying to the West Indies for five T20Is and two Tests.