Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Hafeez questioned the selection of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He cited their lack of match-winning performances over the past 18 to 24 months during a discussion on a local YouTube channel.
Hafeez stated, “Key players win matches. Babar and Rizwan are not delivering results,” urging them to prove their worth to secure their positions on the team.
Hafeez praised consistent performers such as Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, and Hasan Nawaz, stating, “They are the ones winning matches for Pakistan.” He also criticised Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi for their underperformance, emphasising the need for players who can contribute over the next decade. Additionally, he urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to prioritise current form over reputation.
Hafeez criticised the media for favouring certain players while overlooking others, stating, “Players who underperform on the field often depend on strong social media public relations campaigns.” He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take action regarding selection issues, emphasising, “Those making decisions from air-conditioned rooms must address this promptly alongside those on the ground.”
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Hafeez’s remarks, amid Pakistan’s recent struggles, including a 202-run ODI loss to West Indies, could pressure the PCB to rethink selections ahead of the upcoming series. The focus on emerging talent may shift team dynamics, influencing Pakistan’s performance in international cricket and fan expectations for long-term success.
Hafeez’s critique of Babar and Rizwan challenges Pakistan cricket’s status quo, pushing for merit-based selections and impacting team strategy. It could reshape the national squad’s future.
