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Misbah opens up on Dahani’s exclusion, Younis’ departure ahead of England series

Pakistan head coach predicts bright future for rookie pacer

Misbah opens up on Dahani’s exclusion, Younis’ departure ahead of England series PHOTO: Reuters

Pakistan’s Head Coach Misbahul Haq believes that rookier pacer Shahnawaz Dahani has a bright future ahead of him.

While speaking during a virtual press conference on Sunday, Misbah said that Dahani, who was the top wicket-taker in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six, was not part of the England tour because the team was announced before the conclusion of Pakistan’s premier T20 league.

“Shahnawaz Dahani is a future prospect for Pakistan cricket. He was part of red-ball squad in Zimbabwe. The team was announced 20 days before so he was not part of white-ball cricket but he is included in squad for West Indies Tests. He isn’t with us for England tour but will consider him, especially after being the top wicket-taker in white-ball cricket, as it seems that he has bright future ahead of him,” said Misbah.

Misbah also refrained from commenting on Younis Khan’s resignation as batting coach but admitted that the latter’s presence helped the younger players in the side.

“Look, I don’t want to comment on that. His [Younis Khan] experience was always good for these young players. This is all decided between the PCB and the coach but we now have to live with that and focus on the resources we have,” he said.

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The 47-year-old also talked about Pakistan’s team combination ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup.

“Overall, I think we know the team [which will play T20 World Cup] apart from the middle-order and specifically position five and six. We have included Azam Khan and Sohaib Maqsood in the side and hopefully the next two series will help us fill this gap,” he said. “Our top four batsman and bowling lineup is more of less confirmed.”