The 1990s were a golden era for Pakistan cricket. The team was packed with megastars—Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwar, Shoaib Akhtar and Saqlain Mushtaq. These were match-winners, players who could turn the game on its head in an instant. But despite all that talent, something was missing. According to former all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, that missing piece was an ICC trophy.
Mohammad Hafeez Calls Out 90s Stars for Trophy Drought
During a recent chat alongside Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, and Sana Mir, Hafeez didn’t hold back. He admitted his admiration for the legends of the 90s but pointed out a glaring reality—Pakistan failed to win an ICC event under their leadership.
“I am a big admirer of the cricketers from the 1990s, but when we talk about their legacy, it’s clear they didn’t bring home an ICC trophy,” Hafeez said.
He reminded everyone that Pakistan had three chances—the 1996, 1999, and 2003 World Cups—but only managed to reach the 1999 final, where they suffered a crushing defeat to Australia.
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The Turning Point: 2009 T20 World Cup Victory
Mohammad Hafeez then shifted gears, talking about how Pakistan finally broke the ICC curse under Younis Khan in 2009. That T20 World Cup win inspired a new generation, just like the 2017 Champions Trophy victory did years later.
“That win in 2009 gave us hope. It finally gave us something to celebrate. Then came the 2017 Champions Trophy, which was another big moment for Pakistan cricket,” he said.
He even name-dropped Babar Azam, acknowledging his presence in the 2017 squad, even though he wasn’t the main player in that campaign.
Shoaib Akhtar Fires Back with a Classic Comeback
The conversation, however, wasn’t all serious. Shoaib Akhtar, never one to stay quiet, had his own response. He reminded everyone that Pakistan dominated India in ODIs during his era.
“Those 73 ODIs that Pakistan won against India—it was us who won them,” Akhtar said with a smirk.
It was a classic Akhtar moment, shifting the focus from ICC silverware to Pakistan’s undeniable superiority over their biggest rivals.
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The discussion eventually circled back to the biggest names in Pakistan cricket—Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib, Inzamam, Anwar, and Saqlain. These players defined an era, but the lack of ICC trophies remains a what-if in Pakistan’s cricket history.
So, was Hafeez right to question their legacy? Or does the impact of these legends go beyond silverware?
Either way, one thing is clear—Pakistan’s cricket history is filled with incredible talent, but those missing ICC trophies will always be a topic of debate.
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