Former Pakistani cricket captain Muhammad Hafeez has raised concerns about the decisions made by the current selection committee, shedding light on perceived inconsistencies and shortcomings in player selection and team leadership. Speaking on a private TV program, Hafeez expressed dissatisfaction with the selection process, particularly highlighting the inclusion of players who have been inactive or sidelined from the national team.
Hafeez criticized the selection committee for its approach of calling up players who have been out of contention, suggesting that such decisions do not necessarily strengthen the team. He questioned the rationale behind certain selections, noting that players who were previously overlooked or sidelined were suddenly brought back into the fold without clear justification.
One of the contentious issues raised by Hafeez is the captaincy decisions surrounding Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Hafeez claimed that Babar Azam was removed from the captaincy for unspecified reasons, only to be reinstated shortly thereafter. Similarly, he questioned the decision to remove Shaheen Shah Afridi from the captaincy within a mere two months, without providing a solid reason for the dismissal. Hafeez highlighted the importance of stability and continuity in leadership, expressing disappointment with the abrupt changes in captaincy roles.
Moreover, Hafeez lamented his own experience as captain, revealing that he had devised a comprehensive four-year plan to elevate the team’s performance, only to be ousted from the position after a mere two months. This perceived lack of support and continuity in leadership hindered Hafeez’s efforts to implement long-term strategies for the team’s improvement, reflecting broader challenges within the cricketing establishment.
In addition to criticizing selection committee decisions, Hafeez raised concerns about the captaincy style of Babar Azam, suggesting that the current captain has been accused of favoritism and partiality towards certain players or groups within the team. Hafeez’s remarks underscore the importance of fair and unbiased leadership in fostering team cohesion and morale, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in captaincy roles.
Hafeez’s criticisms extend beyond selection and captaincy decisions to encompass broader issues within Pakistani cricket. He has previously expressed reservations about the return of Muhammad Amir to the national team, echoing concerns raised by former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja. Furthermore, Hafeez’s comments have been met with rebuttals from members of the selection committee, such as Wahab Riaz, who have characterized his remarks as personal opinions rather than reflective of broader consensus within the cricketing fraternity.
Muhammad Hafeez’s critique of the selection committee and captaincy decisions in Pakistani cricket underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and stability within the cricketing establishment. His remarks highlight ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding player selection, leadership dynamics, and overall governance within the sport. As Pakistani cricket navigates these complexities, there is a pressing need for constructive dialogue, consensus-building, and reform efforts to ensure the integrity and success of the national team.
