KHAN

KARACHI (Reuters):

PAKISTAN BATSMAN Younis Khan has avoided disciplinary action for refusing to accept the captaincy of the national side and for opting to play for English country Yorkshire instead of his country.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Dr. Nasim Ashraf, told reporters yesterday that Khan was well within his rights to either accept or refuse their offer to become captain following the World Cup.

"I don't think he has committed any indiscipline. It was his individual decision and he can do what he thinks is best for himself," Ashraf said.

Khan turned down the captaincy after Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down as skipper and retired from one-day internationals after the team's first-round exit from the World Cup in March.

Khan cited form and personal pressure for his decision he had been vice-captain to Inzamam since early 2005.

Earlier this month, he also turned down an offer by the selectors to fly directly to Abu Dhabi from England to play a three-match series against Sri Lanka, saying he was committed to Yorkshire until September.

Khan told the selectors he was not in a right frame of mind to play for Pakistan.

"Khan will be considered for national selection committee like any other player when he makes himself available to play for Pakistan," Ashraf said.

"The selectors will decide whom to select, not the board," he added.

Ashraf also announced that the board would appoint a new coach by July 1 after having received 13 applications from foreign and local candidates.

The PCB advertised the post last month as it looks for a replacement for Bob Woolmer who was found dead in his hotel room during the World Cup.