Pakistan’s head coach Misbahul Haq, while talking at a virtual press conference on Monday, opened up on the recent exclusion of star all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez from the Twenty20 International (T20I) squad that will take on South Africa in their upcoming limited-overs series.

The 46-year-old stated that the side will miss the services of the veteran all-rounder, who is currently enjoying a purple patch in his career, while claiming that it was a chance for other players in the side to step up for their team.

“The form Mohammad Hafeez is in, it [his absence] is definitely going to make a difference. We will miss him but it is an opportunity for someone else to rise up. We will try to give opportunities to all the players so that they can make their place in the side,” Misbah said.

Misbah defended fast-bowler Hasan Ali, who had a mediocre outing in the first Test against South Africa in Karachi, while rubbishing claims that fast-bowler Shaheen Shah was being overworked.

“It would be an injustice to judge Hasan Ali based on just one performance because he is making a comeback on the back of good performances in domestic cricket. We are not overworking Shaheen Shah and the physio is constantly monitoring his load. Talk about his workload being too much is not accurate,” he said.

Pakistan are scheduled to compete against South Africa in a three-match T20I series after the conclusion of the ongoing Test series between the two sides. The Men in green and the Proteas side will clash on February 11, 13 and 14 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.