Pakistan interim batting coach Mohammad Yousuf opts out of Afghanistan T20I series

Pakistan men’s team interim batting coach Mohammad Yousuf has opted out of the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan in Sharjah due to personal reasons. As a result of his withdrawal, the interim head coach Abdur Rehman has taken over the batting coach's role too. Yousuf pulled out of the series hours before the team's departure for the UAE on Wednesday afternoon. Notably, the three-match T20I series is scheduled to begin on March 24, Friday.

Yousuf, the former Pakistan captain was named as the interim head coach on Monday, March 13. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi tweeted a new list of the Pakistan team’s support staff. The cricket body later clarified that Yousuf was mistakenly named as the head coach and he would continue as the batting coach.

"I understand the coaching staff was named after the squad because it's a temporary job. Had there been a permanent staff, this question should have been more relevant, but since I have been given an interim job, my role is just to try and win the series,” said Rehman.

When asked about heading a team with many senior coaches, Rehman said that he has been doing this job for so long and that working along with the team will boost his confidence.

"I am doing this job for the last 15 years. It's not like I will be dictating terms to them. In fact, having them with me gives me confidence. It's a privilege to work with them; we have to work together and I have to take advantage of their experience,” he said.

Shadab khan named as Pakistan T20I skipper

The Pakistan squad for the Afghanistan T20I series was named by the Haroon Rasheed-led selections committee. Shadab Khan has been named captain while Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf have been recalled to the squad. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub and Ihsanullah who had produced an impressive performances in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) have received maiden call-ups. Notably, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Afridi have been rested.

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