Mickey Arthur, a former Pakistan coach, supported to young cricketers Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, and Mohammad Haris after Afghanistan pulled off a major upset by beating Pakistan in the recent T20I series. These players recently gained national attention for their outstanding play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but fell short of expectations in Sharjah.
Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique were dismissed for naught by left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi in the first over of the Men in Green’s innings on Sunday, setting the team back considerably. Harris was then sent to the dugout after scoring just 15 for 9.
For Pakistani supporters, the team’s overall performance in the T20I series has been disheartening and has received a lot of criticism. The three young players, who demonstrated their talent in league cricket, are without a doubt talented, but international cricket comes with new pressures and obligations, according to the South African coach.
According to Arthur’s Twitter, “Groom them, give them time, and give them opportunities to bat with seasoned players, and they will come through.”
It should be noted that in the current three-match series vs Afghanistan, young players have been given a chance. Shadab Khan, a Pakistani all-rounder who will captain the team in place of Babar Azam during the tournament, had stated: “This TV show is aimed at our children. We worked to instill confidence in them.”
Khan noted that players may not always perform due to the nerves of international cricket, but we should support them after the loss in the first game, Afghanistan’s first win against Pakistan in international cricket.
He has also said that a player shouldn’t be elevated to stardom after only one good achievement or demoted after one failure.
