Mohammad Hafeez Hits Back At Ramiz Raja's Comments On Backing Veteran Cricketers

Former Pakistan opener Ramiz Raja and veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez have had a difference of opinions concerning a topic. With Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik nearing almost their retirement, Ramiz Raja did not find sense in giving them opportunities till the 2021 T20 World Cup and the tournament. Hafeez has not been impressed with his comments and hit back.

Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik have been in Pakistan’s set-up for a long time now. Mohammad Hafeez performed tremendously in the recent T20 series in England, scoring explosive fifties in both the games to draw the rubber. The 39-year old was also the third-highest run-getter in PSL 2020, registering 312 runs in 13 games that played a crucial role in lifting Lahore Qalanders to the finals. On the other hand, Shoaib Malik might not be in the best form in international cricket; he was amongst the top run-scorers in PSL 2020.

Ramiz Raja underlined that it is a typical Pakistan mindset to have experienced players before any ICC tournament. While the cricketer-turned-commentator understands the value of experience, he believes that there is room for youngsters to slot in. Raja feels that a team needs experienced players; however, does not support picking cricketers who are 37 or 38 years old.

“This is a typical Pakistani mindset that come the World Cup, you must have a lot of experience to win the game, I can understand the value of experience but I still feel that there is much space for young kids to come and do well. Experience can’t be overlooked but at the same time you can’t back yourself completely on a 37 or 38 years old player and not one but three or four,” the 58-year old ESPN Cricinfo.

I have reservations over his cricketing sense and game awareness: Mohammad Hafeez

In response, Mohammad Hafeez does not ignore Ramiz Raja’s services to Pakistan cricket during his playing days. The spin-bowling all-rounder respects his opinion; however, doubts over his game awareness. Hafeez highlighted that even his 12-year old son would have better viewpoints than him.

“I acknowledge Ramiz [Raja] services for Pakistan cricket as a player. I respect his opinion but I have reservations over his cricketing sense and game awareness. If you talk to my 12-year-old son, even his game awareness is better than Ramiz bhai,” Hafeez told Cricket Pakistan.

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