Former Zimbabwe batsman Grant Flower has recalled an incident when Pakistan's Younis Khan brought a knife to his throat.

Flower, who was Pakistan's batting coach between 2014 and 2019, described the incident on the Following On Cricket podcast which also featured his brother Andy and cricket journalist Neil Manthorp.

He said the incident occurred at the breakfast table while on tour in Australia and then-Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur had to intervene.

"Younis Khan... quite tough to master... obviously, a brilliant career. I remember one incident in Brisbane, during the Test, at breakfast I tried to give him a bit of batting advice, not that my career was anywhere near his regarding stats, as he is the highest scorer in Pakistan Test cricket.

"But he didn't take kindly to my advice and brought a knife to my throat, with Mickey Arthur sitting alongside, who had to intervene. Yeah, it's been interesting. But that’s part of coaching. It makes it a hell of a journey, and I've really enjoyed it. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I’m very fortunate to be in the position I am," Flower said.

Khan, who is now Pakistan's batting coach, played one Test in Brisbane in late 2016, scoring a golden duck in the first innings and 65 in the second. He ended the tour with a fine 175 not out in the third Test in Sydney but Pakistan lost the series 3-0.

Meanwhile, while the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refused to comment Flower's claim, the Hindustan Times reports that a well-informed source on the PCB board said the incident wasn't as serious as portrayed by Flower.

"The impression being spread by Grant Flower is not entirely true. Younis apparently had jokingly picked up the butter knife and waved it around telling Grant to just let him have his breakfast end not give advice at the breakfast table," the source said.

Flower is currently part of Sri Lanka's coaching staff where Arthur is now head coach.

- Compiled by Sport24 staff