Younis Khan was silly in standing down from the captaincy this week no matter how honourable his intentions. But at least it has all worked out in the end.

I know all about acting on impulse as he did because I did exactly the same thing. When I played my first Test match as Pakistan captain in 1976, I actually marched up to the selectors room and handed in my resignation because of similar grievances about power and having my authority undermined.

I understand Younis acted because of a supposed lack of respect or power given him by the Board, and maybe team mates also that were very much in Inzamam’s camp. Anyway, I had the same issue pretty much.

My preferences about team selection were not respected and I quit. They wanted to drop Asif Iqbal and I wanted him in the team. I also wanted to drop Intikhab Alam as I felt I could do the same job with the ball and score more runs. Maybe we were both right in the event as Asif scored a hundred and Inti took a few wickets.

The selectors and the Chairman Abdul Hafeez Kardar were not happy as happened this week when the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan said Younis’s actions hurt him more than the events at The Oval. It obviously cost him his job ultimately.

Fortunately for Younis he was vindicated in his protest as President Musharraf appointed a replacement for Shaharyar who was in his camp and sympathized with his actions.

Back in my time, when I made my stance, they asked my brother Hanif to have a word with me and explain that I had acted improperly and immaturely. Hanif compromised with them and agreed they were right in one way but let them know that I was used to much more professionalism after my time in England with Northamptonshire.

It all worked out in the end for me, and Younis Khan. And I’m pleased for him because he is a great batsman and I like his energy and I think he can be a good captain for Pakistan when Inzamam retires.

We don’t know when Inzamam will retire and I hope he can go on for as long as possible because he is a quality batsman. But there must be a chance that he won’t play for Pakistan again beyond the World Cup.

It’s mainly for this reason that I felt Younis had been foolish. With such a great opportunity ahead of him, to skipper the country, he so nearly tossed it all away. But on the positive side I can see no reason why Pakistan cannot do well in the Champions Trophy and then in the World Cup with Inzy back in the team. There is probably not a team that plays better than Pakistan when the chips are down.