Kamran Akmal Says Mohammad Hafeez Might Announce Retirement Before T20 World Cup

Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal opined that all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is extremely upset with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) treatment and might even take the decision to retire from cricket ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021.

Mohammad Hafeez is currently playing in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2021) for the Guyana Amazon Warriors. However, as per reports, he is extremely upset with the Pakistan Cricket Board asking him to return early from his CPL assignment, despite previously issuing him a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which allows him to play in the CPL 2021 till September 18.

Hafeez was asked to return to Pakistan earlier than expected as the PCB wanted him to join the national team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand.

Mohammad Hafeez Has Every Right To Be Unhappy: Kamran Akmal

It has been reported that Hafeez, who was granted a NOC to take part in the ongoing edition of the Caribbean Premier League till September 18, was asked to return home by the PCB as they wanted him to prepare for the New Zealand series which will be played at home. New Zealand is visiting Pakistan for the first time since 2003.

“I haven’t spoken to Mohammad Hafeez but I think he is very upset and might not play the T20 World Cup. Unless the PCB pampers him, he could announce his retirement before the World Cup. He seems totally frustrated. You cannot treat an experienced player in such a manner,” said Akmal in a video on his YouTube channel.

Apparently, Hafeez had requested to delay his arrival by a couple of days giving him time to complete his commitment to the CPL 2021. But the PCB officials refused to grant Hafeez that extension and has left the senior all-rounder miffed.

“This is wrong. And I am talking not only about Hafeez but about Pakistan cricket as whole. It harms the reputation of our country as a cricketing nation. This has happened with me as well. What has happened with Hafeez is totally wrong. You have given the NOC. Think about how expensive the flights are due to COVID, then they have to stay in bio-bubbles as well,” Akmal said slamming PCB.

The Pakistan- New Zealand series begins from Sept 17 with the three ODIs to be played first in Rawalpindi. The 5-match T20I series will then begin in Lahore from September 25-October 3. Hafeez is part of the Pakistan T20I side only.

Ramiz Raja Should Support Mohammad Hafeez: Kamran Akmal

Akmal has requested the new Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja to support Mohammad Hafeez and ensure that seniors cricketers are not treated like this in the future.

“Ramiz Raja will be really disappointed with how players were being treated. Hafeez has every right to be unhappy. Ramiz (bhai) knows the value of players and franchise leagues. He should support Hafeez.

“Whatever personal issues there are between Ramiz and Hafeez is a different matter altogether. Being a professional and PCB chairman, Ramiz must look into the issue and ensure such things do not happen in the future,” said Akmal.

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