RAWALPINDI: Pointing to the inclusion of Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim and Usman Khan in the national team, former Pakistan all-rounder and team director Mohammad Hafeez called it a “parachute selection” by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that should be discouraged.
Hafeez while speaking exclusively with Geo Newsgave his views on the recent selection process, reliance on the Babar-Rizwan duo, issuing NOVs to players for playing leagues and his analysis of the strength of the Green Shirts ahead of the T20 World Cup.
He said: “Amir, Imad and Usman are talented players but a systematic process should be followed for selection. These players were supposed to play domestic cricket and after their performance they had to be selected in the Pakistan cricket team. Such parachute selection does not send a good message to the domestic players.”
Hafeez has been criticized for not being a highly qualified coach during his tenure as the director of the Pakistan men's cricket team.
Responding to criticism regarding his coaching skills, he said: “The process of removing me from the position of director of the cricket team was unfortunate. I am a qualified first-level coach. Coaching courses are an education but not a full qualification to become a coach. We cannot ignore the experience of international cricket.”
Recently, former PCB chairman Najam Sethi alleged that local coaches make decisions based on personal relationships. “I am really disappointed by the statement of the former PCB chairman because such a statement has disappointed many former players. Pakistan has cricket legends who are admired by the rest of the world.”
He added, “This is PCB's slavish thinking that only a foreign coach should be appointed. I have never seen any local coach promoting nepotism or personal recommendation.”
The opening T20 duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan was broken during Hafeez's tenure as team director.
“Babar and Rizwan are great players but they don't represent the whole Pakistan team. Babar and Rizwan can't take all the responsibility of the team on their shoulders. I felt that Saim Ayub as an opener is the solution for us. Why has the current team management retained Saim as an opener if I was he wrong?”
Elaborating on his views on the batting order: “Babar has been batting at number three for the last seven to eight years. It will be nothing new for Babar to bat at number three in T20s. Rizwan and Saim as openers followed by Babar and Fakhar at three will make a strong top order for Pakistan. “
Hafeez further said, “Babar is a powerful batsman who knows how to bat in different conditions.
Hafeez sheds light on the importance of strike rates: “Cricket has changed now. You can compromise on consistency but the performance has to be impressive. Other cricket teams don't rely on individual players. You can see their different players performing in different matches. .”
Hafeez disagreed with the comparison between Babar and Virat Kohli. “There is no comparison between these players. Kohli has given great services and performances for India while Babar is doing well.”
He further added, “Babar is a fantastic player and can bring improvement in his game. It is a misconception that Babar has to do everything. However, Babar has to adapt the skills required to play modern cricket. Babar is a fast learner and has understood the areas of improvement in the last PSL , which is a good sign.”
During the recent tour to New Zealand, the NOC controversy for the leagues flared up. The players were said to be unhappy with the PCB's decision regarding the NOC.
Hafeez said, “I was wrongly pressed on the matter of NOC for the leagues. I had no connection with such a matter because it was a three-year contract between the PCB and the players which allowed them to play two leagues in a year other than the PSL. According to me, the contracts must be confirmed closed with the players, but the player must always prioritize playing for his country.
Hafeez is optimistic about Pakistan's chances of winning the upcoming T20 World Cup. “Pakistan has full potential to win the T20 World Cup. All they need is confidence. Changes in the PCB top hierarchy are affecting the Pakistan cricket team.”
Hafeez supports Indo-Pak cricket and wants India to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025. “I will be very happy to see India visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy because this is more than just a game for Indo-Pak fans. World Follows Indo-Pak Cricket Politics must be kept aside.
