Mohammad Hafeez Issues Controversial Statement After PCB Removes Him As Team Director

Mohammad Hafeez, after being removed as the Team Director of Pakistan cricket team on February 15, strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for abruptly ending his contract as Team Director. Hafeez disclosed that he had initially been offered a four-year contract, but it was shortened to two months due to a change in leadership. While taking accountability for Pakistan’s subpar performance during his tenure, the former captain asserted that he would also reveal ‘non cricketing facts’ contributing to the team’s disappointing display.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Mohammad Hafeez issued what looks like an explosive threat to unveil all the cricket-related and other ‘amateur non cricketing’ facts that contributed to the lacklustre performance of the Pakistan cricket team during his stint as Director of Cricket.

“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 of New chairmanship,” wrote Hafeez in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Here’s What Hafeez Posted:

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) February 16, 2024

Hafeez’s Short, But Challenging Tenure

Hafeez assumed the role of Team Director after the Pakistan cricket team’s disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, where they fell short of reaching the semifinals. During his tenure, Pakistan faced a challenging period, suffering a 3-0 defeat against Australia in Australia and a 4-1 away loss to New Zealand in the T20I series as well.

A Threat To PCB By Hafeez?

Wishing the best for the future of Pakistan cricket, Mohammad Hafeez stated that he takes full responsibility for his actions during his tenure. Interestingly, what caught the eyes of many was that he also said that he will disclose both cricket-related and non-cricketing factors contributing to the team’s subpar performances and asked everyone to stay tuned. 

“Best wishes for Pakistan cricket future. As always, I foremost take responsibility and put myself accountable for all my executions in my given time and will accordingly reveal all the cricketing and other amateur non cricketing facts which ensue bad performances. Stay tuned,” added Hafeez.

Notably, Hafeez faced criticism for attributing excuses to Pakistan’s disappointing performance in Australia. Initially, he criticised the warm-up game pitch, followed by asserting that Pakistan played better cricket in the Boxing Day Test, despite suffering a 79-run defeat. He also pointed to issues with the Decision Review System (DRS) and criticised poor umpiring for the team’s loss.