KARACHI:
Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has strongly criticised the Pakistan cricket team after they were eliminated early from the T20 World Cup.
Hafeez, who had recently been involved with the team as director and interim head coach from November 2023 to February 2024, expressed his candid views. In an interview with cricketing greats Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist, Hafeez highlighted issues of discipline within the team during matches.
“You tell me, Gilly if a player is sleeping in the dressing room while we’re playing Test cricket. 4-5 players are sleeping in the dressing room. Should I allow that as a team director?” Hafeez questioned.
Responding with a touch of humour, Vaughan quipped, “Are they tired?” to which Hafeez continued with a serious tone, “I really don’t know. I went into the dressing room and found 4-5 players sleeping while playing Test cricket. I was like, ‘How come you guys can do that?’ If you do something like this, you cannot be a part of this team.”
Hafeez emphasised the importance of maintaining concentration during professional cricket matches.
“I want you guys to stay focused during the game and off the game, whatever you guys do, it is your own life; I never get involved in it. But in the professional timings of the game, I want you guys to focus on the game. Stay in touch. If you are a fast bowler, you can have a rest and a good ice bath, but you need to concentrate on the game of cricket, like how the other team is also doing. You cannot switch yourself off during the game, but unfortunately, the media didn’t like it,” he concluded.
On February 15, Mohammad Hafeez and the PCB decided to part ways, marking the end of their association.
Hafeez, who assumed the role of Director Cricket in November of the previous year, has contributed significantly to the Pakistan men’s cricket team.
In an official statement, the PCB expressed sincere appreciation for Hafeez’s invaluable contributions, acknowledging his role as Director and his positive impact on players.
Under Hafeez’s tenure as director, Pakistan suffered a 3-0 defeat in the recent Test tour to Australia, and additionally, they faced a 4-1 loss in the five-match T20 series in New Zealand.
