Former England captain Michael Vaughan extended an olive branch to former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez by inviting him onto a podcast to address recent disagreements about Vaughan’s comments on England cricket. The controversy erupted when Vaughan playfully poked fun at the Pakistan cricket team on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.
Michael Vaughan humorously highlighted Pakistan’s knack for becoming embroiled in controversies during World Cup tournaments. This observation resonated with the ongoing World Cup, where Pakistan had faced its fair share of challenges and disputes. Reports had circulated about turmoil within the Pakistan dressing room, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to issue a statement refuting these claims.
In addition, former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif alleged that PCB officials, including chairman Zaka Ashraf, had been unresponsive to messages and calls from captain Babar Azam. Speculation had even arisen that Babar Azam might be relieved of his captaincy duties after the World Cup.
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Michael Vaughan is known for his candid commentary on social media and does not shy away from expressing his opinions, even when it stirs controversy. In response to Pakistan’s recent controversies, Vaughan criticized coach Mickey Arthur for his ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ remark following a loss to India, while also sarcastically highlighting Pakistan’s penchant for getting entangled in controversies.
Michael Vaughan mused, “You think of the history of Pakistan, the World Cup doesn’t start until there’s controversy with Pakistan. Until there’s a fallout… I don’t understand, why don’t they sack everyone a day before the tournament starts. Everybody resigns, they win the World Cup! What are you waiting for?” These comments raised the ire of many, including former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez.
Hafeez responded to Vaughan’s remarks by sharing a news article featuring England pacer David Willey expressing his disappointment over not being offered a central contract by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
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Mohammed Hafeez tweeted, “Better stop peeping into other’s problems and sort out your disputes first. We have a substantial insight into our issues and will surely resolve them. @MichaelVaughan.” Vaughan promptly responded to Hafeez’s challenge by suggesting, “Come on @clubprairiefire podcast and let’s discuss, Mo. Me & @gilly381 would love to have you on 🙌🙌🙌.” This exchange marked a potential opportunity for both cricketing figures to address their differences and engage in a constructive dialogue.
Come on @clubprairiefire podcast and let’s have a discussion Mo .. Me & @gilly381 would love to have you on 🙌🙌🙌 https://t.co/DDrHT1S2s3
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 3, 2023
