National cricket head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has said that absence of Captain Babar Azam was one of the major reasons for the disappointing performance during the New Zealand tour.

In a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore today, former Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq said that lack of training for undergoing strict isolation rules impacted the performance against Kiwis.

Misbah said that “The injury of Babar Azam is a big issue for us. It was a big loss for us, especially in Test cricket. This was a setback that made us down morally as well as on the field.”

The national team head coach hoped that the upcoming Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) cricket committee meeting is not to grill someone.

Misbah and bowling coach Waqar Younis have been asked to appear before the board’s cricket committee. “We can’t assume things. Obviously, we are there only to give report and recommendations. I hope it is not to grill someone,” he said. “It is not something to be minded. We are both therefor Pakistan cricket.”

Misbah-ul-Haq said the team tried best on the field during the series but unfortunately results did not go their way.

Former Skipper added that “The novel coronavirus is somehow affecting the performances of players. It’s bothering them physically and mentally. It’s a big factor; we are worried about how to continue in these circumstances.”

It may be recalled that Pakistan lost the three-match T20I series and two Tests against New Zealand.