Former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez has unveiled controversial circumstances surrounding the inclusion of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad.
Hafeez has accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of striking a deal to bring these players back into the team, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the selection process.
A Questionable Comeback
Imad and Amir, who recently reversed their international retirement, are now part of the squad for the T20 World Cup being held in the USA and the West Indies.
Hafeez revealed that just six months ago, both players declined to play for Pakistan, opting instead for more lucrative T20 leagues. However, with no leagues scheduled in June, they have decided to participate in the World Cup, treating it as just another league.
“Six months ago, when these two cricketers were asked by the PCB if they would play for Pakistan, they refused because they wanted to participate in T20 leagues. Now that there is no league in the June window, the two players are participating in the T20 World Cup and treating it as just another league,” Hafeez said.
Notably, Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, and Fakhar Zaman have been signed up by the new CPL franchise Antigua & Barbuda Falcons for the upcoming season later this year.
Neglecting Local Talent
Hafeez also expressed his disappointment over the treatment of domestic players. He highlighted the case of Kamran Ghulam, a talented player who felt compelled to leave Pakistan to play league cricket due to the lack of opportunities at the international level.
“When I was overseeing domestic cricket as team director, players like Kamran Ghulam were discouraged. Despite his talent, Ghulam chose to leave Pakistan to play league cricket because he felt that scoring hundreds in domestic cricket wouldn’t be rewarding in the long run and he would never get an international cap based on his performances,” Hafeez remarked.
Hafeez criticized the PCB’s current strategy under Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for neglecting local talent development. He emphasized the need for a reassessment to ensure deserving domestic players get opportunities, creating a sustainable pool of national cricketers.
Call For Intensified Scrutiny
According to Hafeez, the focus should shift towards nurturing local talent rather than relying on players who prioritize their financial interests over national duty.
Hafeez’s remarks come at a time when Pakistan’s performance is under intense scrutiny following their recent loss to India. The inclusion of Amir and Imad, along with the team’s overall strategy, has raised many questions among fans and experts alike.
As the T20 World Cup progresses, Pakistan’s team selection and performance will continue to be a hot topic. Will the PCB address these concerns and make necessary changes? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
