Former Pakistan cricket captain, Mohammad Hafeez, finds himself entangled in a dispute with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over delayed payments owed to him. Hafeez, who served as the national team’s director under Zaka Ashraf’s chairmanship, faced scrutiny for the team’s poor performance during his tenure, particularly against Australia and New Zealand.
The PCB, under Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership, shifted its coaching approach, favoring the recruitment of foreign coaches. This change raised questions about Hafeez’s role, eventually leading to his premature departure as team director, announced abruptly on social media by the PCB.
Despite his initial four-year term, Hafeez’s tenure ended after only two months due to the PCB’s decision. However, efforts to find a replacement for Hafeez amid the upcoming New Zealand cricket team’s tour to Pakistan have proven futile, with the PCB facing rejections from international cricketing figures.
Meanwhile, Hafeez continues to await his contracted payment, including daily allowances for tours of Australia and New Zealand. Attempts to address the payment issue have been hampered by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s busy schedule, with Hafeez’s efforts to meet Naqvi upon his return to the country proving unsuccessful.
As a result, the decision to terminate Hafeez’s position became inevitable due to the PCB’s inability to resolve the payment delay. Hafeez will transition to a role as an expert analyst on local TV programs, refraining from openly discussing his experiences with the PCB thus far.
The situation underscores potential administrative challenges within the PCB, highlighting the importance of timely payment and clear communication within cricket administration. Hafeez’s shift to an analyst role also showcases the versatility of former cricketers in media engagements.
Ultimately, the PCB’s handling of the coaching transition and payment issues may impact its reputation and relationship with former players. Resolving Hafeez’s payment delay could mitigate any potential fallout and help maintain goodwill between the PCB and its former players.
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