Former team director Mohammad Hafeez has disclosed controversial circumstances surrounding the inclusion of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir in Pakistan’s national squad for the T20 World Cup.
Hafeez claimed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) enticed the two players back into the team through a deal, raising questions about the integrity of the selection process.
In a televised interview, the former captain revealed, “Six months ago, when these two cricketers were asked by the PCB if they would play for Pakistan, they refused because they wanted to participate in T20 leagues. Now that there is no league in the June window, the two players are participating in the T20 World Cup and treating it as just another league.”
Hafeez’s remarks have sparked a debate about player selection within Pakistan cricket. He stressed that the PCB should prioritise domestic performers who consistently exhibit dedication and skill in first-class cricket through performances.
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“When I was overseeing domestic cricket as team director, players like Kamran Ghulam were discouraged. Ghulam, despite his talent, chose to leave Pakistan to play league cricket because he felt that scoring hundreds in domestic cricket wouldn’t be rewarding in the long run and he would never get an international cap based on his performances,” Hafeez remarked.
Hafeez contends that the current strategy of the PCB under Chairman Mohsin Naqvi undermines the development of local talent.
His comments highlight a need for the PCB to reassess its strategy to ensure that committed domestic players receive the opportunities they deserve, fostering a more sustainable pool of national cricketers.
Hafeez’s comments come in the wake of Pakistan’s recent loss against arch-rivals India by 6 runs at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium. The loss has attracted significant scrutiny from both media and experts, amplifying the debate over team selection and performance.
