Test series loss against Australia, and now another disappointing T20I series loss to the Kiwis saw the Pakistan cricket team get a lot of criticism from former players and pundits. Pakistan lost their third consecutive T20I matches against New Zealand which saw lose the 5-match series on the day as well.
Allegedly, Mohammed Hafeez, the director of the Pakistan cricket team, is causing unrest among players due to his extended meetings and lectures. Reports suggest that certain players, not disclosed by name, are discontented with the lengthy sessions conducted by Hafeez, both during the Australia tour and the ongoing tour in New Zealand.
“He holds very long meetings and gives long lectures and some of the players get restless because same things are repeated,” one media report said.
Commentators in the comm box :
If you win 3 consecutive tosses and then decide to bowl first again after losing the 1st two matches then the problem is surely there#PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/Sr9a8KGXIm---Advertisement---— Hassan (@HassanAbbasian) January 17, 2024
Hafeez, a former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, assumed the role of Director at the behest of the Chairman of the cricket management committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board ahead of the Australian tour. This appointment was part of a series of alterations implemented by Zaka Ashraf in the coaching and selection structure following the World Cup.
According to media sources, players are reportedly dissatisfied with what they perceive as discriminatory practices in the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participation in foreign leagues. Reports indicate that while players like Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi received NOCs for the International League T20 in the Emirates, Hafeez delayed the permission for others seeking to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Hafeez has been granted authority by the board to decide on NOCs for players in foreign leagues. Social media has circulated videos and images showing Hafeez providing wicketkeeping guidance to Azam Khan and offering batting and bowling advice to spinners. This has raised concerns within the cricket community about whether Hafeez is taking on responsibilities that would typically fall under the purview of other coaches. Media reports suggest even the foreign batting coach, Adam Hollioake, expressed some unease about Hafeez’s extensive involvement in various aspects of the team’s functioning.
Also Read: IND Vs AFG, 3rd T20I: Will Rohit Sharma Make Amends On Short Bengaluru Pitch?
