Lahore, May 18: 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.

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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.

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