LAHORE: Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez will not see an extension following the completion of his three-month tenure, marked by disappointing performances against Australia and New Zealand. Despite only securing a consolation victory in a T20I match, Pakistan endured defeats in three Test matches against Australia and four T20Is against New Zealand during Hafeez’s tenure.
After returning from the challenging tours, Hafeez met with acting Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shah Khawer, who is concurrently overseeing the board’s election process for a regular chairman to serve a full three-year term.
Sources revealed that Hafeez failed to impress the acting chairman with his performance, prompting discussions about the possibility of extending his tenure through the Ministry of Inter-provincial Coordination.
Hafeez, lacking formal coaching credentials or prior experience in the position, assumed the role of team director, succeeding South African Mickey Arthur amidst Pakistan’s lackluster performances in the Asia Cup and World Cup last year.
Initially appointed by former chairman of the PCB Interim Management Committee Zaka Ashraf for a three-month term, Hafeez’s tenure concluded on Jan 14. Despite Zaka’s recommendation for a four-year extension until the next World Cup, the IPC Ministry has not granted approval thus far.
Sources indicated that Hafeez attributed the team’s poor performances to senior players’ lack of focus, emphasising their inclination towards playing in foreign leagues over national duties.
Mohammad Rizwan openly criticised Hafeez’s strategies during Pakistan’s series against New Zealand, attributing the team’s setbacks to changes in the batting line-up.
Hafeez reportedly highlighted player performances and accountability to the acting PCB chairman, expressing frustration with senior players and attempting to integrate junior players into the squad to rejuvenate team dynamics.
However, the strategy failed to yield desired results.
Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2024
