Pakistan temporary batting coach Mohammad Yousuf opts out of the T20I series against Afghanistan.

Mohammad Yousuf, the interim batting coach for the Pakistan men’s team, has withdrawn from the next Twenty20 International series against Afghanistan in Sharjah owing to personal concerns. As a result of his withdrawal, interim head coach Abdur Rehman has now assumed the position of batting coach. Yousuf withdrew from the series hours before the team’s Wednesday afternoon departure for the UAE. Incidentally, the three-match T20I series will begin on Friday, March 24.

Yousuf, the former captain of Pakistan, was chosen interim head coach on March 13. Najam Sethi, head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), tweeted a revised list of the Pakistan team’s support staff. Afterwards, the cricket organization explained that Yousuf was misidentified as the head coach and would continue to serve as the batting coach.

“I believe the coaching staff was called after the team because the position is temporary. This question would have been more pertinent if there was a permanent staff, but since I have been given an interim position, my only responsibility is to win the series,” remarked Rehman.
When asked about leading a team with a large number of experienced instructors, Rehman responded that he has been in this position for so long and that working with the team will enhance his confidence.

“I have been performing this work for fifteen years. It’s not as though I will dictate terms to them. In fact, their presence gives me confidence. It is an honor to work with them; we must collaborate, and I must benefit from their experience,” he remarked.

Shadab khan chosen as Pakistan T20I skipper
The Pakistan squad for the Afghanistan T20I series was selected by a committee led by Haroon Rasheed. Imad Wasim and Faheem Ashraf have been recalled to the team, while Shadab Khan has been designated captain. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub and Ihsanullah have received their first call-ups after displaying great performances in the recently completed Pakistan Super League (PSL). Notable players who have been rested include Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, and Shaheen Afridi.