In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Hafeez discussed his opinions on the most recent selection procedure, the team's reliance on the Babar-Rizwan combination, the granting of NOCs to players so they can participate in leagues, and his assessment of the Green Shirts' strength in front of the T20 World Cup.
"Usman Khan, Imad Wasim, and Muhammad Amir are excellent players, but there is a methodical process to be followed for selection," he stated. These individuals ought to have participated in domestic cricket and been chosen for the Pakistan cricket team based on their performance. The domestic players are not sent a positive message by such a parachute selection."
When Hafeez was director of the Pakistan men's cricket team, he was criticized for not being a highly trained coach.
In response to criticism of his coaching abilities, he stated, "It was an unfortunate process to remove me from my position as director of the cricket team." I am a level one qualified coach. Although they provide instruction, coaching courses do not grant full eligibility to become a coach. We cannot disregard the global experience of cricket.
Local coaches decide on interpersonal relationships, according to recent claims made by former PCB chairman Najam Sethi. "I'm quite dissatisfied with the former PCB chairman's remark because it has let down a lot of former players. The cricketing legends of Pakistan are highly regarded worldwide.
"PCB has the slave mentality that only foreign coaches should be hired," he continued. No local coach that I have ever seen has ever encouraged nepotism or personal recommendations."
During Hafeez's time as team director, the starting combination of Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan in T20 was disrupted.
"While Rizwan and Babar are excellent players, they do not speak for the entire Pakistani team. It is not possible for Babar and Rizwan to carry all of the team's responsibilities. As an opener, I thought Saim Ayub was the answer for us. If I was mistaken, why has the present team management kept Saim as an opener?"
Giving further details on his thoughts on the batting order, he said, "Babar has been batting at number three for the past seven or eight years. Babar's position at number three in the T20 batting order won't change. Pakistan will have a formidable top order with openers Rizwan and Saim, followed at number three by Babar and Fakhar."
"Babar is a strong batter who knows how to bat in different conditions," Hafeez continued. Despite his early setbacks, Saim has to start the T20 World Cup in 2024."
Hafeez clarifies the significance of the strike rate by saying, "Cricket has evolved since then. Consistency can be compromised, but performance needs to have a significant impact. Not all cricket teams rely on their lone players. You can witness their various players performing in various games."
Hafeez disapproved of the Virat Kohli and Babar comparison. "These players are just not comparable to one another. Babar is performing well, whereas Kohli has provided India with excellent services and performances."
"Babar is a fantastic player and can bring improvements to his game," he continued. The idea that Babar must do everything is incorrect. Babar must, however, modify his techniques to play cricket in the present era. Babar is picking things up quickly and is aware of his shortcomings. In the most recent PSL, he played with purpose, which is encouraging."
A recent excursion to New Zealand sparked a debate about the NOC for leagues. There were rumors that the players didn't agree with PCB's decision on the NOC.
"I was wrongly pushed in the matter of the NOC for leagues," Hafeez stated. Since the players and PCB had a three-year contract that enabled them to play in two leagues other than the PSL each year, I had nothing to do with this situation. I believe that agreements reached with the players ought to be acknowledged. But a player's first priority should always be representing his nation."
Hafeez feels upbeat about Pakistan's prospects of winning the forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup. "Pakistan is fully capable of winning the T20 World Cup. All they require is confidence. The Pakistan cricket team is impacted by the shifts in the PCB's upper management."
Hafeez is an advocate of India-Pakistan cricket and wants India to play for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in 2025. For fans of both countries, the Champions Trophy represents more than simply a game, thus I will be delighted to see India come to Pakistan. The world's eyes are fixed on Indo-Pak cricket. Politics should be avoided. Pakistan and India have to play each other in all three forms. If the two teams are unable to travel to each other's countries, they should play in a neutral site."
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