A new chapter is set to commence for Pakistan cricket as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided not to renew the contract of the former skipper, Mohammad Hafeez, who had been serving as the director of the national team. Appointed in the final phase of 2023, Hafeez oversaw the team during its challenging tours of Australia and New Zealand. Despite high hopes pinned on his leadership, the outcomes from these tours did not meet expectations, leading to the decision not to extend his contract.
This development was announced by the PCB which took a moment to appreciate the efforts of Mohammad Hafeez. In its formal statement released on Thursday, the PCB lauded the contributions Hafeez made during his brief tenure. The statement highlighted, “The Pakistan Cricket Board extends heartfelt gratitude to Mohammad Hafeez, Director Pakistan men’s cricket team, for his invaluable contributions.”
The board showed magnanimity despite the parting of ways, wishing Hafeez well for his future plans. They acknowledged his commitment to the sport and the positive influence he had on the players during the recent tours. “Hafeez’s passion for the game has inspired players and his mentorship during the tour of Australia and New Zealand have been of immense importance. The PCB wishes Hafeez good luck and success in his future endeavors,” added the commemorative note.
Mohammad Hafeez’s stint as the team director began in November 2023, following Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the ODI World Cup at the group stage under his directorship. Pakistan’s run under Hafeez’s guidance saw them facing a 3-0 loss in the Test series against Australia and later a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series hosted by New Zealand.
Despite these setbacks, Pakistan cricket hopes to rebound and navigate through an upcoming challenging schedule. Pakistan is now due to travel to Ireland and England for two T20I series in May. These series ultimately lead up to their participation in the T20 World Cup 2024, which is anticipated to be a major event for the team. The series in Ireland and England will pose as crucial preparatory grounds for Pakistan in the run-up to the T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in the USA and West Indies.
Reflecting back on Mohammad Hafeez’s career, his cricketing journey was adorned with numerous achievements. Hafeez, fondly known as the ‘Professor’ in cricketing circles, was not just a significant batsman but also contributed significantly with his off-spin bowling. Playing for Pakistan from 2003 to 2021, Hafeez featured in 55 Tests, 218 ODIs, and 119 T20Is, amassing a total of 12780 international runs. Out of these, 3652 runs came in Tests, 6614 in ODIs, and 2514 in T20Is. His prowess was not just limited to batting; he marked his presence with the ball as well, taking 53 wickets in Tests, 139 in ODIs, and 61 in T20Is, leading to a total of 253 international wickets.
Although Mohammad Hafeez’s journey with the PCB has reached its closure, the legacy he leaves behind as an all-rounder and a mentor will continue to inspire the next generation of cricket players. Pakistan cricket is now faced with the task of finding a successor who can instill resilience and lead the team to success in the upcoming international meets, including the highly anticipated T20 World Cup. The cricket fraternity, amidst this change, looks on with anticipation and hope for a future filled with victories and growth for Pakistan cricket.
