Fake Twitter account creates confusion on Younis future

Brisbane: Younis Khan's future became a subject of speculation after a message sent out from a fake Twitter account suggested that he would retire from ODIs at the end of the World Cup, prompting the veteran Pakistan batsman to issue a denial.

Battling poor form in the mega-event, the 37-year-old has come under fire from former players, some of whom have gone to the extent of publicly pleading him to retire.

The criticism seemed to have got the desired result last night when a Younis Khan twitter account, later found to be fake, sent out the message of retirement.

"I will retire from ODI cricket after 2015 World Cup. Will continue to play Test cricket," Khan tweeted.

However, a stunned Younis denied having a Twitter account at all and told AFP, "I have no Twitter account and it's (the story about his retirement) fake."

"I am working hard to come good in batting and have not decided anything like that."

The veteran batsman, who was made to open the innings in the first match against India, was out for a disappointing 6 runs after fending off a rising delivery from Mohammed Shami.

Brought back to his favourite No.3 position, Younis was then out for a golden duck with West Indies quick Jerome Taylor getting him caught behind.

Pakistan were beaten by rivals India before slumping to a 150-run defeat to the Jason Holder-led last Saturday.

The veteran batsman has served the national team in 263 ODIs during his 15-year-long career, scoring 7203 runs at an average of 31.31.