22 June,2009 12:14 PM IST | | AFP
Pakistan captain Younus Khan urged the international cricket community to return to the troubled Asian nation after leading his side to victory in the World Twenty20 final against Sri Lanka.
Yesterday's eight-wicket success at Lord's came just months after armed militants attacked the Sri Lanka team bus on the way to a Test in Lahore.
That March 3 incident, which saw six policemen and two civilians killed, plus seven Sri Lankan squad members injured, led to the suspension of international cricket in Pakistan.
And the International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently announced the country would no longer stage matches during the 2011 World Cup in Asia because of security concerns.
"Everybody knows we need a victory like this, especially a World Cup, in these days, it is a gift for the whole nation," Younus told reporters.
"Now we are champions, I am requesting all other countries, come to Pakistan. Especially for the youngsters, we need home series.
"How can we promote cricket and motivate my son and my neighbour's son? That's why we need cricket in Pakistan.
"It's not our fault. Sports should be away from politics, sports doesn't need politics."
There were many at Lord's, and among the watching television audience, who would have sympathised with Younus after an event where, both on and off the field, Pakistan showed why world cricket needs them as much as Pakistan need world cricket.
Stylish middle-order batsman Younus, who played no part in a Pakistan run-chase where Shahid Afridi's unbeaten 54 saw the side home with eight balls to spare, also announced he was retiring from Twenty20 internationals.
"I am retiring from T20 internationals," Younus said after Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets.
"I am now 34, I am old for this kind of cricket. The good thing is we have a couple of good youngsters like Shahzaib (Hasan) and Ahmad Shahzad."
Younus, set to continue his Test and one-day international career, also paid tribute to former Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, who died shortly after the team's shock loss to Ireland during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.
"This final must go to Bob Woolmer," said Younus. "He was very good with us from 2005, especially with my cricket. He was a very nice guy and a father figure for us.
"I'm captain because all the time he was chatting with the chairman and selectors saying 'Younus should be the next captain."
This was the first time Pakistan had won a major international one-day tournament since Imran Khan's side lifted the 1992 World Cup in Australia.
