Three Pakistan players — Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer — were given lengthy bans earlier this month by the International Cricket Council after they were found guilty of corruption, following British newspaper allegations that they bowled no-balls at prearranged times during the fourth test against England in August last year.
Though the high-profile affair cast a long shadow in the sport, Younis indicated that the World Cup players and officials had already moved on.
“I don't think anybody is thinking about this match fixing or spot-fixing or whatever it was,” Younis told a news conference on Monday.
“The best way to go about is not to read newspapers in the morning, I guess.” Younis made it clear that despite the events of the past few months, Pakistan still had the resources to have a good tournament in the weeks ahead.
“We've been through some tough times in the recent past,” he said.
“But it does not mean we don't have talent. We are good enough team to beat any team on a given day.” The Pakistan squad arrived in this southern town to prepare for its opening Group A match on Wednesday against the Kenyans - a team which was bowled out for just 69 in its opening game by New Zealand on Sunday.
Defending champion Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Canada are also in Group A.
In its judgment, an ICC tribunal gave former captain Butt a 10-year ban with five years suspended, Asif a seven-year ban with two suspended, while Amir was banned for five years.
