Hasan disappointed with Misbah, Waqar’s departure ahead of T20 World Cup

Pakistan’s speedster Hasan Ali is disappointed about the departure of Head Coach Misbahul Haq and Bowling Coach Waqar Younis, with the T20 World Cup just around the corner.

While speaking during a virtual press conference, Ali said the time was not right was such a change in team management.

“Honestly, it was a bit disappointing [Misbah and Waqar’s departure] for me because the [T20] World Cup is just around the corner and such a change should not have happened at this time,” said Ali. “As a player this is not my domain as the decision to change team management lies with the PCB, its chairman and other top officials. Our job is to perform on the field and help the team win.”

He also opened up about the influence Younis has had on his cricketing career.  

“Wiki [Waqar Younis] bhai is my role model as I made up my mind about becoming a fast-bowler by watching him on TV for the first time. I admire him a lot and really felt proud while working with him. I will miss him but as professionals we have to move on and my best wishes are with both [Waqar and Misbah] of them. I hope they succeed in their future plans,” he added.  

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Pakistan are currently preparing for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting on September 17 in Rawalpindi.

Top-ranked New Zealand are without many of their top players — who are instead heading to the UAE for the Indian Premier League — including captain and leading batsman Kane Williamson, and pace bowling trio Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson.

But Hasan Ali is not taking his opponents lightly, despite the raft of missing star names.

“I believe that when you step on the field, every team is equal. Their team has the potential to give us tough time as they played in dry conditions of Bangladesh recently as well,” he concluded.

The second and third ODIs will be played in Rawalpindi on Sunday and Tuesday with the five-match Twenty20 international series beginning in Lahore on Saturday, September 25.