Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Hafeez has bashed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing them of “greed” in selecting players like Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Following Pakistan’s 6-run loss to India in the group stage, Hafeez claimed that the PCB made “deals” with Amir and Wasim to include them in the squad, despite the fact that they rarely play domestic cricket.
“They (PCB) brought them here out of greed, made deals with such players (Amir and Wasim) who have ruined Pakistan’s cricket,” Hafeez said in his post-match comments.
“When asked to play for Pakistan six months ago, they said they wanted to play in franchise leagues around the world. Since that no leagues are happening these days, they are playing in the World Cup. They are playing in the World Cup as if it is just another league,” he added.
Both Amir and Wasim had retired from international cricket in 2020 and 2023 respectively, but made comebacks in 2024 to feature in the T20 World Cup. Hafeez, who was part of the domestic circuit, claimed that the PCB overlooked consistent performers in favor of these high-profile returns.
“I was in the domestic circuit, but no one wants to play domestic cricket. It is because they were telling me that ‘any of us gets selected, we will take it,'” Hafeez said.
The former captain’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the PCB and some senior players, as the board continues to navigate the challenges of managing a national team amid the rise of franchise tournaments.
