A wonderful, wonderful career. I am sorry for my criticism at times, but I have had my reasons for it. Now that he is gone, I shall remember him for the great moments only. To see him not walk in at number 4 with either a smile on his face or a determined, stern look is going to take some time to acknowledge.
All his career, he has fought to prove himself. He was never blessed with the luxury of having the infamous Pakistani
talent, he was not given chances because he looked stylish or played a good cover drive, but rather, he had to fight for every single run and prove to the world that he belonged here.
I may not always have admitted it, but deep down, he was always the one I looked up to when Pakistan needed someone to step up and produce a big score - no one else provided that security. After hopping, jumping, smiling, laughing, poking, fishing, scratching, nudging and sweeping his way to a shaky 30-40 runs, we all knew that a Younis special was on his way. The next 50-60 runs always came at a rapid rate and with sheer dominance. For a man renowned for his unflappable smile, more often than not, he would have a determined, resolute look on his face after achieving a milestone, which showed his character and the desire to march on.
It takes a man of some mental strength to score a hundred on debut against Muralitharan; it takes a man of some courage to score a 91 and 149* in Auckland on his comeback; it takes a man of unwavering passion to score a 147 and 267 in India after being dubbed 'Useless Khan' by his own and someone who was 'finished'. His celebration after the hundred in Bangalore (or was it the double-hundred?
memories fade) showed that he had not taken those words lightly.
Last summer at the Oval, he produced an innings which defined him more than anything he has ever produced. His struggles throughout the summer were comical, and everyone lost their heads.
he is finished, he cannot play outside the UAE, it is time to retire, he has embarrassed himself. It reached a point where even England had start to make fun of his dance moves, but yet, he remained calf and unflustered, as if he knew that his time will come, as it always has.
From a technical point of view, the 218 at the Oval may not rank very highly even in his own catalogue of specials, but that innings was yet another reminder of what made him Younis Khan. I can go on and on and highlight plenty of epics, be it the chase in Sri Lanka, the final salute in Sydney or the series defining hundred vs Australia in Dubai, but his debut vs Rawalpindi 2000, Auckland 2001, Eden Gardens/Bangalore 2005 and Oval 2015 define him like nothing else.
It wasn't just professional setbacks though. In spite of losing numerous family members over the years, his commitment to the team was never challenged. In spite of all the spats with the PCB over the years, his commitment to Pakistan cricket was never put to test, something that Yousuf was not able to manage.
It wasn't just his batting, but also his slip catching. His presence at second slip was almost comforting. Much like his batting, he rarely looked pretty and was mostly awkward, but you just knew that the man with the smile, the hat and the black watch is going to pounce on anything that comes his way.
I am writing all of this because I want to offload the burden that I have been carrying, because I may not have properly conveyed what I thought and felt about him. The criticism has its place, but in the last few years, for multiple reasons, I have mostly praised him with gritted teeth. However, now I feel that it is time for one final tribute. He may not have been an all-time great, but so what? He was not doing it for the world, he was doing it for the star on his shirt - he was doing it for Pakistan, and he did it better than anyone before him. He has done more for this country than I ever will. Much like my admiration and respect for Younis, I feel like I have never managed to properly convey my patriotism and love for the country.
Thank you Younis for the 17 years of unforgettable memories. He will surely look back at his career with immense pride. It must be an extremely satisfying feeling to know that you have punched above your weight and achieved something that most people in your position would not have achieved, considering the obstacles, hurdles and challenges that we thrown at you throughout your journey.
Thank you, Legend. Now and always.
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can't see your posts henceforth, ignorant Americans are not worthy of a reply from such an advanced and super intelligent being as myself.
they're unable to convey simple ideas nor are they able to back up their views with substance, that gif though 
