A day after being sacked as Pakistan team director, Mohammad Hafeez promised that he would reveal the facts which “ensued bad performances” during his stint.
Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match analysis, player interviews, and much more.
On November 15, 2023, the PCB made substantial changes to the “portfolio of the Pakistan coaching staff”. One of the appointments was of former captain Mohammad Hafeez as director of the men’s team.
Former 🇵🇰 captain Mohammad Hafeez has been given the responsibility of Director – Pakistan Men's Cricket Team.
The PCB has changed the portfolio of the Pakistan coaching staff. All coaches will continue to work in National Cricket Academy while PCB will announce the new coaching… pic.twitter.com/zwwnsj5lzs
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 15, 2023
Other changes included the sacking of Babar Azam as captain in all three formats. Neither of the new captains started well (no new ODI captain was appointed). Since the overhaul, Pakistan were swept 0-3 in the Test series in Australia under Shan Masood, and lost 1-4 in the T20Is in New Zealand under Shaheen Shah Afridi.
On the Australia tour, Hafeez criticised Cricket Australia for rolling out a slow pitch for a tour match; hit the headlines by missing a flight; and caused a stir by claiming that Pakistan played “better cricket” than Australia despite losing the Boxing Day Test match in Melbourne.
On February 15, 2024, exactly three months after his appointment, the PCB sacked Hafeez from the role.
The Pakistan Cricket Board extends heartfelt gratitude to Mohammad Hafeez, Director Pakistan men’s cricket team, for his invaluable contributions. Hafeez's passion for the game has inspired players and his mentorship during the tour of Australia and New Zealand have been of… pic.twitter.com/AM4IKbm0vB
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 15, 2024
The next day, February 16, Hafeez lashed out at the PCB on X (formerly Twitter). “I always Prioritise and represented Pakistan with dignity and Pride,” he wrote. “I accepted the new role as a Director pcb [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 [months] on the account of New chairmanship.
“Best wishes for Pakistan cricket future, added Hafeez. “As always, I foremost take responsibility and put myself accountable for all my executions in my given time,” though he promised that he “will accordingly reveal all the cricketing and other amateur non cricketing facts which ensue bad performances,” requesting everyone to “Stay tuned…”
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
