(ANI Photo)
Hafeez, a former Pakistan coach, criticized the PCB’s decision to select players such as Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim for the T20 World Cup.
Former Pakistan skipper Mohammad Hafeez created a stir by alleging that the Pakistan Cricket Board struck deals with Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim regarding their selection for the T20 World Cup. Hafeez criticized the Pakistani cricketers following India’s narrow 6-run victory over them in the T20 WC match held on Sunday in New York. This defeat marked another setback for Pakistan in ICC’s premier tournament against India, extending India’s dominance in their head-to-head encounters to 7-1.
Pakistan’s batting display was disappointing as they chased a modest target of 120 runs but could only manage 113/5 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a remarkable comeback by the Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah.
Hafeez, the ex-Pakistan coach, didn’t mince words when criticizing the PCB’s decision to select players like Amir and Imad, who had recently reversed their retirement to participate in the T20 World Cup.
“They (PCB) brought them here out of greed, made deals with such players (Amir and Wasim) who have ruined Pakistan’s cricket. I was in the domestic circuit, but no one wanted to play domestic cricket. It is because they were telling me that ‘any of us gets selected, we will take it.’ How can it be that players who don’t even play Pakistan’s domestic cricket got selected,” Hafeez said.
Amir endured a costly super over against the USA, conceding 18 runs, a significant factor in Pakistan’s defeat. Meanwhile, Imad’s batting woes were evident against India, managing only 15 runs off 23 deliveries.
Hafeez disclosed that both players were approached to represent Pakistan six months ago but declined the offer, stating their return now is due to the absence of any ongoing franchise leagues.
“When asked to play for Pakistan six months ago, they said they wanted to play in leagues. Since no leagues are 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.
Amir, a left-arm pacer, announced his retirement from international cricket in 2021, yet he remained active in franchise league tournaments. Similarly, Imad, who retired in 2023, also continued playing in such leagues. However, the arrival of Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board marked a turning point for both players. They reversed their retirement decisions and made themselves available for the T20 World Cup.
