Former Pakistan all-rounder and team director Mohammad Hafeez has criticized the recent selection of Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, and Usman Khan in the national team, terming it as ‘parachute selection’ by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which he believes should be discouraged.
Speaking exclusively with Geo News, Hafeez shared his views on various aspects of Pakistan cricket, including the reliance on the Babar-Rizwan duo, the issuance of NOCs to players for playing leagues, and his analysis of the team’s strength ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Hafeez emphasized the importance of following a systematic selection process, stating that players like Amir, Imad, and Usman should have proven themselves in domestic cricket before being picked for the national team.
He defended his coaching credentials, asserting that coaching courses are essential but not the sole criterion for evaluating coaching abilities, and highlighted the significance of international cricket experience.
Responding to criticism regarding his tenure as team director, Hafeez expressed disappointment over former PCB chairman Najam Sethi’s remarks about local coaches, arguing against the notion that only foreign coaches should be appointed due to perceived nepotism.
He also questioned the decision to break up the T20 opening partnership of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan during his tenure.
Regarding the batting order, Hafeez suggested a lineup with Saim Ayub as opener followed by Rizwan, Babar, and Fakhar Zaman to strengthen Pakistan’s top order.
He emphasized the importance of strike rate in modern cricket and dismissed comparisons between Babar and Virat Kohli, stating that each player has their own contributions and strengths.
Hafeez addressed the controversy surrounding NOCs for leagues, clarifying that he was not involved in the matter and stressing the importance of honoring contracts made with players while prioritizing national duty.
Despite challenges, Hafeez expressed optimism about Pakistan’s chances in the T20 World Cup and advocated for resuming Indo-Pak cricket, suggesting neutral venues if bilateral series cannot be hosted in either country.
