Mohammad Hafeez, who recently served as both Director of Cricket for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team's interim head coach, has made some explosive allegations on Men in Green. These comments come after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, which included losses to India and the USA and an early exit from the tournament. Hafeez's revelations are sure to create a stir in the cricketing world and inflame tensions among Pakistani fans already frustrated by the team's recent results.
The ex-captain of Pakistan disclosed that while serving as the interim coach for the Test series against Australia, he encountered several team members asleep in the dressing room during a critical Test match. Hafeez shared this surprising incident in a frank conversation with Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist on the 'Club Prairie Fire' YouTube channel. During his tenure as team director and interim head coach from November 2023 to February 2024, Hafeez discovered 4-5 players napping mid-game in the dressing room, a practice he sharply criticised. He stressed the importance of constant attention during games and called for players to remain fully engaged both on and off the field.
While Hafeez respects the players' privacy, he emphasises that professionalism and dedication to cricket must come first. He finds sleeping during a crucial Test match ‘unacceptable’ at the international level. This revelation has sparked controversy in Pakistan cricket. Following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup exit, Hafeez's comments raise questions about the team's discipline, professionalism, and overall commitment during high-pressure matches.
“You tell me, Gilly, if a player is sleeping in the dressing room while we're playing Test cricket. I went into the dressing room and found 4-5 players sleeping in the dressing room while playing Test cricket. I was like, "How come you guys can do that?" If you do something like this, you cannot be a part of this team. I want you guys to stay focused during the game and off the game; whatever you guys do, it is your own life; I never get involved in it,” Mohammad Hafeez said during a conversation with Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist on the 'Club Praire Fire' YouTube channel.
“But in the professional timing of the game, I want you guys to focus on the game. Stay in touch. If you are a fast bowler, you can have a rest and a good ice bath, but you need to concentrate on the game of cricket, like the other team is also doing. You cannot switch yourself off during the game,” he added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's cricket team may face significant consequences following their disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, which included losses to co-hosts the United States and arch-rivals India. PCB is expected to reassess the central contracts of the players, with potential salary cuts on the horizon. Additionally, the board plans to strictly enforce its policies regarding participation in T20 leagues worldwide.
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