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Pakistan fast bowler Hasan Ali responded to former team director Mohammad Hafeez’s recent remarks regarding players resting during Test matches against Australia in December-January. Hasan Ali explained that fast bowlers often require short breaks or naps to recover after strenuous bowling spells in Test cricket.
Mohammad Hafeez, who oversaw the Pakistan team during their Test tour of Australia and the subsequent T20I series in New Zealand, saw the team secure only one victory out of eight matches during his tenure from November 2023 to February 2024. Following the disappointing results, the PCB opted to part ways with him.
Speaking on the Club Prairie Fire Podcast, Hafeez had pointed out concerns about the fitness levels of Pakistani players during his time as director. He specifically mentioned that 4-5 players were observed sleeping in the dressing room during Test matches, raising questions about the appropriateness of such behavior while matches were ongoing.
During a recent interview, Hasan Ali expressed his surprise regarding the issue of players sleeping in the dressing room. He clarified that typically, players who are not part of the playing XI and members of the management are present in the dugout. Hasan also emphasized that fast bowlers often require brief periods of rest or short naps to recuperate, especially after extended periods of bowling that span over one and a half days.
“I don’t know, actually, but it should be the way Hafeez said. I don’t think anyone slept in the dressing room after that. When Hafeez said that I was not part of the first game, all the players who were not part of the playing XI were sitting in the dugout watching the game. Even the management was sitting there. But I would say especially for the fast bowlers, when you bowl for one and a half days you need to recover, and you could take a 20-30 minute nap, but for those who feel like they need,” Hasan said.
Mohammad Hafeez is revered as one of Pakistan cricket’s stalwarts, celebrated for his outstanding contributions across all formats. Throughout his illustrious career, the accomplished right-handed batter amassed nearly 13,000 runs and claimed over 250 wickets in 392 matches. Additionally, Hafeez led Pakistan in one Test match, two ODIs, and captained the team in 29 T20 Internationals, leaving an indelible mark on the sport at both national and international levels.
Hasan Ali noted that in the past, the team management permitted fast bowlers to take brief naps to aid in their recovery. The right-arm pacer emphasized that players adhered to the regulations established by Mohammad Hafeez regarding sleeping in the dressing room.
“In the past, the management set the rule that if someone needed a nap for recovery, especially the fast bowlers, they could do that. But if Hafeez, as the head coach and director of Cricket, said no one was going to sleep, then fair enough. If he set the rule, we had to follow it,” he added.
Pakistan has come under scrutiny following their early elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. The Men in Green suffered defeats against the USA and India but managed victories over Canada and Ireland. Pakistan’s next outing is scheduled for August when they will face Bangladesh in a series.
