PCB and Mohammad Hafeez part ways after latter's poor stint as director of cricket

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has parted ways with Mohammad Hafeez after his disappointing stint with the team as Director of Cricket. Newly appointed PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is considering replacing Mohammad Hafeez with a foreign head coach.

Mickey Arthur was removed from his position after Pakistan’s exit from the ODI World Cup 2023. Hafeez succeeded him as the Director of Cricket for the national team. Additionally, the former all-rounder briefly served as the head coach of the Pakistan cricket team.

Mohammad Hafeez-led Pakistan Suffered Losses In Australia, New Zealand

Mohammad Hafeez assumed the roles of team director and head coach ahead of Pakistan’s red ball series against Australia. Shan Masood captained the team following Babar Azam’s resignation. Unfortunately, Pakistan suffered a 0-3 series defeat in Australia.

Under Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy, Pakistan endured a disappointing 1-4 defeat in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Hafeez came under criticism for breaking Pakistan’s successful T20 opening combination of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

PCB Extends Heartfelt Gratitude To Mohammad Hafeez

On Thursday, the PCB issued an official statement expressing gratitude to Mohammad Hafeez for his significant contributions as Director of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. The statement highlighted Hafeez’s positive impact on players and the team.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board extends heartfelt gratitude to Mohammad Hafeez, Director Pakistan men’s cricket team, for his invaluable contributions,” the statement read.

Players were not happy with Hafeez during the New Zealand tour, particularly due to lengthy meetings and his strict management style. Additionally, Hafeez was hesitant to grant NOCs to contracted cricketers for franchise cricket, prioritizing national duties.

The PCB Wishes Mohammad Hafeez Good Luck

The PCB acknowledged his inspirational influence and mentorship during the tours of Australia and New Zealand. The board wished him success in his future endeavors.

“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 endeavours,” the statement added.

Mohammad Hafeez, considered one of Pakistan’s finest cricketers, amassed nearly 13,000 runs and claimed over 250 wickets in 392 matches across formats. The former skipper represented Pakistan in 55 Tests, 218 ODIs, and 119 T20Is in his international career.

Pakistan Set To Next Bilateral Series Against England In May

Pakistan’s focus will soon shift to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which is set to commence on Saturday, February 17 at Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore. The tournament will kick off with defending champions Lahore Qalandars facing Islamabad United in the opening match.

Pakistan is slated to play its next bilateral series assignment against England in May. Following this, Pakistan will participate in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and the West Indies. They are placed in Group A alongside India, the United States, Canada, and Ireland.

Also read: Mohammad Hafeez hits out Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi to retain his job as Pakistan Team Director