A day after being sacked as Pakistan team director, Mohammad Hafeez promised that he would reveal the facts which “ensued bad performances” during his stint.
On November 15, 2023, PCB made significant changes to the ‘Pakistan Coaching Staff Portfolio’. One of his appointments was former captain Mohammad Hafeez as director of the men’s team.
Former 🇵🇰 captain Mohammad Hafeez has been given the responsibility of Director – Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team.
PCB has changed the portfolio of Pakistan’s coaching staff. All coaches will continue to work at the National Cricket Academy while the PCB announces new coaches… pic.twitter.com/zwwnsj5lzs
– Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) 15. November 2023
Other changes include the removal of Babar Azam as captain in all three formats. None of the new captains got off to a good start (no new ODI captain was named). Since the overhaul, Pakistan have lost 0-3 in Test series in Australia under Shan Masood and 1-4 in T20Is under Shaheen Shah Afridi in New Zealand.
During the tour of Australia, Hafeez criticized Cricket Australia’s use of slow pitches in tour matches. Missing a flight makes headlines. And Despite losing the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne, he caused a controversy by claiming that Pakistan were “better at cricket” than Australia
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On February 15, 2024, exactly three months after Mr. Hafeez’s appointment, the PCB removed Mr. Hafeez from his post.
The Pakistan Cricket Board extends heartfelt gratitude to Mohammad Hafeez, Director Pakistan men’s cricket team, for his invaluable contributions. Hafeez’s passion for the game has inspired players and his mentorship during the tour of Australia and New Zealand have been of… pic.twitter.com/AM4IKbm0vB
– Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) 15. February 2024
The next day, February 16, Mr. Hafeez criticized the PCB on X (formerly Twitter). “I will always put Pakistan first and represent it with dignity and pride,” he wrote. “I took on my new role as a PCB [PCB] board member with great passion for positive reform, but unfortunately my four-year term set by @TheRealPCB has expired due to the new chairmanship. 2 [months] shorter.
“I wish Pakistan cricket all the best for the future,” Hafeez added. “As always, I take responsibility first and foremost and take responsibility for all executions within the time given,” he said, but added: “I take responsibility for the fact that it can happen in cricket and other non-cricket amateurs. We will disclose everything appropriately.” Our performance is poor,” he said, urging everyone to “keep up the good work.”
I always Prioritise and represented Pakistan with dignity and Pride. I accepted the new role as a Director pcb with great passion to make positive reforms but Unfortunately my designated tenure which was offered by @TheRealPCB for 4 years was cut short for 2 mnths on the account…
– Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) 16. February 2024
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