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Former Pakistan cricket all-rounder and ex-Director of Cricket, Mohammad Hafeez, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent squad selection by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the upcoming home T20I series against New Zealand. Hafeez’s remarks come following the inclusion of veteran cricketers Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim in the squad.
Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim return to T20I set-up
Amir and Wasim have been reintroduced into the T20I set-up after a hiatus. Amir, known for his pace and experience, last played a T20I for Pakistan in 2020, while Wasim’s last appearance in the format was in 2022. The duo recently reversed their retirement decisions to make themselves available for selection, despite not participating in domestic cricket matches recently.
Mohammad Hafeez’s criticism
Hafeez took to social media, specifically X, to voice his discontent with the squad selection. In a tweet, he criticized the PCB for overlooking domestic talents, implying a detrimental effect on Pakistan’s domestic cricket scene. His tweet gained significant attention and sparked discussions within the cricketing community.
“RIP Pakistan domestic cricket,” Hafeez wrote in his post on X.
#RIP Pakistan domestic cricket
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) April 9, 2024
Also READ: Pakistan cricket appoints new head coach ahead of home T20I series against New Zealand
Inclusions and new faces
Despite Hafeez’s criticism, the inclusion of Amir and Wasim brings considerable experience to the squad. Amir’s prowess in fast bowling and Wasim’s dual abilities as a batter and bowler could prove vital for Pakistan’s campaign. Additionally, the selectors have introduced two new faces to the national side – Usman Khan and Muhammad Irfan Khan. Both players showcased impressive performances in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024, earning them maiden call-ups to the national team.
Pakistan Squad for New Zealand T20Is: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan.
