Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday. 

The 39-year-old will follow current captain Misbah-ul-Haq in retiring after the upcoming series against the West Indies.

The veteran captained Pakistan in all three formats and led his side to the 2009 World T20 title in England.

‘I will be retiring with my head held high,’ he told a press conference in Karachi.

‘I think this is the right time, as every sportsman has to take this decision in his career.’

Khan is currently the highest Test run-scorer in Pakistan’s history, and sits 13th on the all-time scorer’s list.

He has 115 Tests to his name and needs only 23 runs to reach 10 000. He holds an average of 53.06, including 32 half-centuries and 34 tons, the most centuries by a batsman in Pakistan’s history.

Younis said he will remain associated with cricket, following his retirement.

‘Even though I will be retired from playing, my services will still be available for cricket,’ he said.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram paid rich tribute to Khan.

‘He is still fit, but there is always a time when you have to decide about leaving,’ said Wasim.

‘He has set many records which prove his greatness. Whenever he played he played with his heart and commitment.

‘It will be tough to replace players like Younis and Misbah, so Pakistan will have to work hard in tests without them.’

Photo: AFP/Cricinfo