Saqlain Mushtaq stands in support of an off-form Hasan Ali

After receiving a lot of backlash from the fans, Pakistan Cricket’s head coach Saqlain Mushtaq has come to Hasan Ali’s rescue. He has claimed that the right-arm fast bowler is a match-winning player and an important asset to the team.

The Mandi-born pacer has taken 223 international wickets but is currently going through a lean patch of form. His last series against Australia was particularly bad in which he was able to just take 2 wickets in 2 tests, one ODI, and a T20 combined. Naturally, fans have been criticizing him for his poor show and wanted him out of the team.

The inventor of the 'Doosra', Mushtaq has been shouldered with coaching the Pakistan team and he believes Hasan Ali to be a very important part of it. “Hasan is a match-winning player, and he has proved it with his performances. He was a little fatigued but now he is fresh,” claimed Mushtaq while talking to reporters ahead of the West Indies series.

‘All players are unified, and we will provide rest to those who request it", he added when asked about the team’s fitness. The spin great went on to add that he would be looking for a West Indian whitewash.

"The West Indies team will come fully prepared. We have not done all the work on them yet but are hopeful of defeating them 3-0,"-Saqlain stated.

"The players are working hard, and training is going on as per plans. There is no doubt that it is hot, but the support staff is making the strategy as per the strength of our players," he added.

Pakistan is coming off a Test and ODI series win in Pakistan earlier this year. They would be looking to defeat West Indies in a 3 match ODI series that has been rescheduled to be held from June 8th.