In the wake of Pakistan‘s 6-run loss to India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez leveled accusations against the Pakistan Cricket Board. Hafeez claimed the board had made undisclosed ‘deals’ with players Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim ahead of the tournament. The loss marked another defeat for Pakistan against India in the ICC tournament, extending India’s lead in the head-to-head record to 7-1.
The former Pakistan coach heavily criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for selecting players like Amir and Imad, who had previously announced their retirement but later reversed that decision to play in the T20 World Cup.
“Out of greed, PCB selected players like Amir and Wasim, who have damaged the reputation of Pakistan’s cricket. I was part of the domestic circuit, but players showed little interest in domestic cricket, telling me that they would take any opportunity for selection, even without playing domestic matches. It is bewildering that players who did not participate in Pakistan’s domestic cricket were still selected for the national team,” claimed Hafeez.
Hafeez disclosed that the two players were offered to represent Pakistan six months ago, but they declined the opportunity. They explained that they are only available to return now because there is no franchise cricket league taking place.
“Six months ago, they were urged to play for Pakistan but they prioritized to play in T20 leagues. However, with no leagues currently in session, they have since turned their focus to the World Cup, approaching the prestigious international tournament with the same casual mindset as a typical T20 league,” he continued.
In 2021, left-arm pacer Amir retired from international cricket, yet he continued to play in franchise league tournaments. A similar situation arose with Imad, who retired in 2023. However, the appointment of Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi as Pakistan Cricket Board chairman prompted Amir and Imad to reverse their retirements and make themselves available for the T20 World Cup.