IPL snub affecting Pakistan's T20I performance: Coach Arthur

Pakistan's newly-appointed chief coach Mickey Arthur on Wednesday acknowledged that not playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has hit the performance of the country's cricketers in the shortest format.

Political tensions between the arch-rivals have resulted in the Pakistani players being barred from taking part in the lucrative league since the second edition in 2009.

But Arthur, who succeeded the legendary Waqar Younis as the head coach, reckoned that players learn a lot participating in such tournaments.

"You learn such a lot from franchise cricket tournaments and I think that could be playing a large role," Arthur, who coached the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), was quoted as saying by pakpassion.net.

"Yes it is probably right that not playing in the IPL could be affecting the performances of the Pakistan team in the 20-over format."

Buoyed by the lethal bowling attack at his disposal, the 48-year-old is confident that the team will get the advantage in that department.

"With both pace and spin there is certainly enough depth there for this bowling attack to be very good. Pakistan have produced a lot of good quick bowlers and they continue to do that and they also have some really good spin bowlers and that clearly gives them the advantage and edge at the moment," Arthur said.

Having worked with South Africa and Australia, Arthur said he wanted to create an environment in the Pakistan dressing room which will ensure the best results from his players.

"I just want to create an environment that allows the players to perform and I know that any environment with structure where there is proper values has got a far better chance of success than one that has not," he said.

"So I am going to create a culture that the players can go into and perform and where they also enjoy their cricket.

"I want to stimulate the players in the right way and ensure they are enjoying their cricket and perform. The important thing is that when people enjoy their cricket they get the best out of themselves," he added.

Arthur felt that veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who was left out of the preparatory camp for the upcoming tour of England, is not out of national contention yet.

Afridi stepped down as skipper following Pakistan's dismal Asia Cup and ICC World Twenty20 campaign.

"Shahid has been a fantastic player for Pakistan for many years so you do not discard phenomenal players like that very easily," he said.

"If we think there is a role for him we will certainly bring him back but that is a discussion for the future and another time. There is a lot of cricket to be played before we get to that discussion."

--IANS

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