Pakistan all-rounder Hasan Ali has expressed disappointment in the change in coaching staff ahead of the T20 World Cup, after head coach Misbah ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis resigned after the unanimous election of former batsman Ramiz Raja as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board in September.
It was then announced that Aussie legend Matthew Hayden and former South African paceman Vernon Philander would take charge as batting and bowling consultants, respectively, for the duration of the T20 World Cup.
Ali lavished praise on Younis’ role in his own development, while also hoping that his time under Philander would be equally fruitful. The appointment of Hayden and Philander is an interesting decision considering that neither of them has had previous coaching experience. The T20 World Cup will be their first major tournament in a coaching capacity.
“He hasn’t played much T20 cricket but no doubt he was a great bowler and brought in a lot of success for his South Africa.”
said Ali about Philander’s appointment.
Speaking highly of Waqar, the fast bowling all-rounder said:
“I admire Waqar Younis and all the work I have done with him. I really enjoyed my time with him but unfortunately, he isn’t here and we have to move on. We will move and try to give our best.”
After New Zealand terminated their tour of Pakistan due to security concerns, which was at the center of a huge controversy, Raja observed that the marquee clash against India would not be the only opposition Pakistan would be looking to prove a point over.
Asked whether his side was under pressure, Ali remarked that the team can beat any opposition on their day but cannot afford to take things lightly against any opponent:
“We have a good combination and ability to beat any team in the world. I have full faith in my team that we will give 100 percent.
We don’t have any room to get complacent and we can’t afford to take these matches lightly.
We will go all prepared from the first game and obviously when you go on with the win from the opening game it boosts your confidence.”,
Pakistan begin their campaign against arch-rivals India on October 24 in Dubai. The Men in Green will then travel to Sharjah to face New Zealand on October 26.
