Islamabad, 17 April 2025: Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has sparked fresh debate with a candid online Q&A session on social media platform ‘X’.
He discussed issues ranging from political appointments in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to his faith in young batting talent.
Responding to a fan’s query about political interference in cricket, Hafeez hinted that the PCB’s top post was often influenced by political connections.
He suggested that such decisions were rarely based on merit, adding that the appointment of the chairman was typically tied to political backgrounds.
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Asked why he had not taken up a coaching or mentoring role, Hafeez offered a light-hearted reply, saying he was currently enjoying a break, referring to himself as “M minus one.”
The former team director, however, was full of praise for rising stars Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub.
He described the duo as the future of Pakistan cricket and hoped they would avoid distractions that could hamper their development.
Despite Pakistan’s recent inconsistent showings, Hafeez said he remained a passionate supporter of the team.
He admitted it was painful to see them lose but stressed that his support was unconditional.
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On whether Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should continue as mainstays in the squad, Hafeez acknowledged their importance but advised them to evolve.
He noted that both had won games for Pakistan and urged them to sharpen their skills and adapt their playing styles to stay impactful.
Hafeez also condemned the online trolling of Rizwan over his English-speaking skills, calling it disappointing and unnecessary.
When asked what message he would give to Babar Azam, Hafeez kept it brief but meaningful: “Keep learning.”
Looking ahead, he picked Saim Ayub as a likely choice for Pakistan’s opening slot in the 2026 T20 World Cup, reinforcing his belief in the youngster’s bright future.
