Misbah-ul-Haq
Misbah-Ul-Haq (Photo Credit: PCB/Twitter)

Misbah-ul-Haq’s tenure as Pakistan’s head coach started on a mixed note. In his maiden assignment, Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series. Pakistan hosted the Islanders for three ODIs and many T20Is. It all started well for the Men in Green and their new coach. After the first ODI was washed out, Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the following two to win the series.

However, Sri Lanka gave Pakistan a hard reality check in the succeeding T20I series. Despite missing a host of key players, Sri Lanka stunned Pakistan and whitewashed them in the three-match series. Sri Lanka, in fact, did not have much problem in beating world number one Pakistan in any of the three games.

Read More: Cricket Fraternity Sends Birthday Wishes To ”Champion” Anil Kumble

Two of the worst performers from Pakistan in the series were Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad. Both the batsmen were recalled for the series but could not capitalise on it. While Akmal was out for duck in both the games he played, Shehzad scored 4 and 13.

Read More  Watch: Hardik Pandya pushes away Lasith Malinga as Sri Lanka legend tries to hug Mumbai skipper
Umar Akmal
Umar Akmal (Credits: Twitter)

Also Read: Tamim Iqbal Receives Injury Scare Ahead Of India Tour

And reports now suggest that Misbah-ul-Haq, who is also the chief selector of Pakistan, was forced to play both Akmal and Shehzad. Pakistan journalist Saj Sadiq, on Thursday, tweeted about the same. According to the tweet,  senator Mushahidullah Khan has alleged that Misbah-ul-Haq was pressurised by high office to include the two players in the playing eleven.

“Senator Mushahidullah Khan has alleged that national team’s Head Coach and Chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq was pressurised by high office to include Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal in the playing eleven against Sri Lanka in the recent T20I series,” tweeted the journalist.

Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq has taken the responsibility for the defeat against Sri Lanka. The former Pakistan captain admitted that his team played poorly and said that Sri Lanka outplayed the hots.

“We were poor and not even at par in all three departments against them. Sri Lanka outclassed us in every department, it was an almost one-sided series,” said Misbah-ul-Haq.

Read More  Rishabh Pant blames this player after Delhi Capitals' loss vs Rajasthan Royals

Read More: Pakistan Likely To Opt For Split Captaincy For The Australia Tour

“Yes, I take responsibility for the series defeat. It is very disappointing and we played poorly. But this is same team which made us number one. Same players who have been playing for around three years,” he added.