This combination of four pictures shows Pakistan's batsman Younis Khan celebrating after reaching his 10,000th Test run, on day three of the first Test match between West Indies and Pakistan at the Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, on April 23, 2017. Khan
Batting legend Younis Khan yesterday celebrated becoming the newest member of the 10,000-run club by saying it was 'Pakistan's achievement'.
On Sunday evening, Younis swept West Indies off-spinner Roston Chase to fine leg to reach the milestone, becoming the first Pakistani batsman in the group that has 13 members.
Sachin Tendulkar heads the list that also includes Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara, Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Mahela Jaywardene, Allan Border, Alaistar Cook, Steve Waugh and Sunil Gavaskar.
The 39-year-old right-handed Pakistani batsman was quick to acknowledge the support of his family, team-mates, countrymen and fans in general.
“I credit this success to all of my family members, especially my late father, my mother and the late Bob Woolmer, who always motivated me,” Younis said in a recorded video statement released by his team.
Younis was close to former Pakistan coach Woolmer who was found dead in his hotel room in Kingston, Jamaica in March 2007.
“I congratulate everyone in Pakistan for this. This is not just my achievement, this is for everyone in Pakistan. This is Pakistan’s achievement,” Younis said accompanied by his two sons.
“I would also like to thank my fans, friends, and supporters who always stood with me throughout my cricketing career and supported me,” Younis, who smashed a 100 on his Test debut in 2000, said.
Former Pakistan batting star and captain Javed Miandad said: "This is an honour for Pakistan. I think Younis Khan has worked really all his career. He has shown that he is a big player."
Miandad, who played 124 Tests for Pakistan, added: "He has amazing fitness levels at his age. I think he is the fitness in the current team as well. He is a brilliant fielder as well."
Miandad told Samaa TV, Younis should not rush into retirement.
"I would say if Pakistan are getting new players coming through the ranks, then he could retire," Miandad, said. "But if we don't have good replacements, then the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) must think over this matter and maybe ask him to play on."
Former Pakistan batsman and captain Ramiz Raja - who is in the West Indies as a commentator - applauded Younis for his long-standing services to the national team.
"You are a star, Younis," Raja, a veteran of 198 ODIs and 57 Tests, said. "This is a big achievement. You don't see batsmen reaching the 10,000 milestone in Test cricket (every day)," he added.
"You are a role model for young cricketers. Your conversion rate to hundreds is also the best after Sir Don Bradman," Raja said in a video message from the West Indies.
Another former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif said: "Pakistan had produced great batsmen like Javed Miandad, Inzama Ul Haq, Mohammed Yusuf, Saeed Anwar and Hanif Mohammed but Younis Khan is the first Pakistan to complete 10,000 Test runs."
Latif added: "Everybody has followed his career. He is a top human being as well. Younis has his own character. This is last series in the West Indies. I want him to coach Pakistan team or any franchise in PSL. Pakistan cricket would suffer if he doesn't take up a cricket-related job."
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar echoed Latif's sentiments when he said: "I hope he serves Pakistan cricket after he quits. He has done really well."
