Mohammad Hafeez has become the latest former cricketer to criticize the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following Pakistan’s underwhelming performance against India in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Chasing a modest target of 120 runs, the Babar Azam-led team was competitive for most of the match but faltered in the final six overs, ultimately suffering a six-run defeat. This loss has left Pakistan in a precarious position, teetering on the brink of missing out on the Super 8 stage.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Hafeez openly criticized the PCB, accusing it of striking deals with players like Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who came out of retirement to join the team. Hafeez argued that the PCB has neglected players excelling in domestic cricket in favor of those seeking opportunities due to the lack of ongoing franchise cricket.
“They brought them here out of greed, made deals with such players who have ruined Pakistan’s cricket. I was in the domestic circuit, but no one wants to play domestic cricket. It’s because they were telling me, ‘Hafeez bhai, if any of us gets selected, we will take it. How can it be that players who don’t even play Pakistan’s domestic cricket get selected?’” Mohammad Hafeez said in a viral video.
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Hafeez expressed frustration over the fact that players who previously prioritized playing in various leagues over national duty are now part of the World Cup squad only because there are no leagues happening at the moment.
🚨 “PCB did deal with Amir Imad!” – Shocking revelation by angry Hafeez! #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/TITVU9TOiJ
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) June 10, 2024
“When asked six months ago to play for Pakistan, they said they wanted to play in leagues. Now that there are no leagues happening these days, they are playing in the World Cup. They are playing in the World Cup as if it is just another league,” he added.
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With two consecutive losses, Pakistan currently sits fourth in Group A. Their upcoming matches against Canada on June 11 and Ireland on June 16 are must-win games, and they need to secure victories by significant margins. Additionally, to qualify for the Super 8, Pakistan needs the USA to lose their remaining matches against India and Ireland.
