Pakistan men’s cricket team Director Mohammad Hafeez is reportedly facing discontent among senior players during the ongoing New Zealand tour. Sources indicate that Pakistani cricketers are expressing dissatisfaction with Hafeez’s management style, citing lengthy meetings and a perceived stern approach.
What is going on between PCB management and Pakistani cricketers?
Tensions escalated when star cricketers, including Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan, who received No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for the International League T20 (ILT20), encountered resistance from Hafeez when seeking NOCs for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). This reluctance has raised concerns about potential impacts on players’ contracts and could further strain the relationship between the director and the team members.
Specifically after Babar Azam’s removal as a skipper, things have not been running smoothly in the PCB. Fans feel the side was more united during Ramiz Raja’s regime as the chairman. Since the new management has stepped in with multiple changes in coaching and playing strategies, there is always reported a rift between the management and the cricketers.
The second T20I against New Zealand witnessed Pakistan’s defeat, with Adam Milne’s outstanding performance, taking four wickets and securing a 2-0 series lead for the hosts. Despite commendable half-centuries from Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan fell short, scoring 173 in response to New Zealand’s 194-8.
Adding to Pakistan’s challenges, New Zealand’s victory came at the cost of losing captain Kane Williamson to a hamstring injury during the match. Williamson will be sidelined for the entire series, with coach Gary Stead prioritizing his recovery for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Tim Seifert is anticipated to replace Williamson in the batting lineup and may also take over wicketkeeping duties from Devon Conway.
As the series progresses, the final two T20I matches against New Zealand will be played without Williamson, with the team aiming to ensure his fitness for the crucial Test matches ahead. The discontent within the team and the absence of key players pose additional challenges for Pakistan, making the remainder of the tour pivotal for both the players and the management.
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