Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has ignited a firestorm of debate by criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) preference for foreign coaches. Hafeez, who briefly served as the team’s director before being released, took aim at the PCB’s approach, questioning the sidelining of local coaches.
“The process of removing me as director cricket was unfortunate,” Hafeez asserted. “Coaching courses are an education but not complete eligibility to become a coach. We cannot ignore the experience of international cricket.” He emphasized the importance of experience, suggesting coaching courses alone shouldn’t be the sole factor in selecting coaches.
Mohammad Hafeez not happy with PCB
Hafeez particularly expressed disappointment with former PCB chairman Najam Sethi’s remarks about local coaches favoring nepotism. “I’m really disappointed with the statement,” he said. “This is a slavish mindset of PCB that only a foreign coach should be appointed. I have never seen any local coach promoting nepotism or personal recommendations.” Hafeez argued that Pakistan boasts “legends of cricket admired by the rest of the world,” who deserve recognition for their contributions.
This controversy comes as the PCB prepares to announce the coaching staff after the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. With Pakistan trailing 2-1, the team needs to win the final match to salvage the series. However, the coaching dilemma overshadows the on-field performance. Reports suggest the PCB has already finalized Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie as head coaches for the white-ball and red-ball formats, respectively.
Hafeez’s criticism highlights a recurring debate in Pakistan cricket. While the PCB favors foreign coaches, local cricketing heroes feel undervalued. Hafeez’s statement, calling the PCB’s approach “slavish,” is a strong critique that will likely spark further discussion.
The upcoming coaching announcement and Pakistan’s performance in the final T20I will be closely watched. These events may influence the PCB’s decisions and further shape the ongoing debate about the future of coaching in Pakistan cricket. Hafeez’s comments have opened a can of worms, and it remains to be seen how the PCB will respond and if they will reconsider their current strategy.
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