Lord's Prayer

Pakistan captain Younus Khan urged the international cricket community to return to the troubled nation after leading his side to victory in the Twenty20 World Cup final against Sri Lanka.

The 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.

The International Cricket Council subsequently announced the country would no longer stage matches during the 2011 World Cup 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 said. "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? Sport should be away from politics, sport doesn't need politics," he added.

There were many at Lord's who would have sympathized 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.

Sri Lanka were restricted to 138 for six and Shahid Afridi's unbeaten 54 saw Pakistan home with eight balls to spare.

Younus, 34, also announced he was retiring from Twenty20 internationals.

"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, named captain of the ICC's team of the tournament, also paid tribute to former coach Bob Woolmer, who died after Pakistan's shock loss to Ireland during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. "This final must go to Bob Woolmer," he said. "He was very good with us and a father figure for us."