Source: wisden

In a surprising turn of events, former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Hafeez has stepped down from his role in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Technical Committee, just ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 in India. Hafeez, who had been a member of the committee for less than two months, cited personal reasons for his resignation, leaving cricket enthusiasts and experts speculating about the implications of his departure.

Hafeez’s Resignation

Hafeez, along with cricketing legends Misbah-ul-Haq and Inzamam-ul-Haq, played a crucial role in the Technical Committee, which reports directly to PCB chief Zaka Ashraf. The committee’s primary responsibility is to provide valuable insights and recommendations for improving Pakistan’s cricketing performance.

Hafeez exits PCB technical committee after Asia Cup review, World Cup looms | Thaiger IN
Source: Thaiger

Announcing his departure from the committee via social media, Hafeez expressed gratitude to Zaka Ashraf for the opportunity and assured his continued support for Pakistani cricket. He stated, “I decided to leave Pakistan cricket technical committee. I served as an honorary member. I would like to thank Zaka Ashraf sb for giving me this opportunity. I’m always available whenever Zaka Ashraf sb needs my honest suggestions for Pakistan cricket. My best wishes for Pakistan cricket as always. Pakistan Zindabad.”

Timing and Implications

Hafeez’s decision to resign from the Technical Committee comes as a surprise, especially considering the proximity to the ODI World Cup, where Pakistan will be aiming to make a mark. His presence on the committee was seen as a valuable asset, given his extensive experience and cricketing knowledge.

Performance Review Meeting

The timing of Hafeez’s resignation coincided with a PCB meeting convened by Zaka Ashraf to evaluate Pakistan’s performance in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan’s exit from the tournament at the Super 4 stage, following consecutive losses to India and Sri Lanka, had raised concerns and prompted this review.

During the meeting, attended by key figures such as captain Babar Azam, vice-captain Shadab Khan, Misbah ul Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, and other coaching staff members, Zaka Ashraf emphasized the importance of open discussion and consensus-building. The objective was to identify the team’s strengths and weaknesses comprehensively, with a view to investing strategically in Pakistan’s cricketing future. According to sources, he was expecting the inclusion of Sarfaraz Ahmed and Imad Wasim in the squad. Hence thier absense was a big dissapointment.

Imad Wasim opens up about captaincy and World Cup aspirations
Source: Cricket Pakistan

Hafeez’s departure from the Technical Committee presents the PCB with the challenge of filling the void left by his resignation. It remains to be seen how the committee will adapt to his absence and whether his insights and expertise will still play a role in shaping Pakistan’s cricketing journey. Nonetheless, Mohammad Hafeez’s commitment to Pakistan cricket remains unwavering, as he expressed his willingness to continue providing support whenever needed.

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