Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez shared his reaction on Tuesday following the unveiling of the squad for the forthcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
Through a post on social media platform X, Hafeez succinctly remarked, “Pakistan domestic cricket.” This concise statement hinted at his perspective on the selection, possibly suggesting a preference for players groomed within the domestic circuit.
Hafeez, recognized for his steadfast stance against the reinstatement of players embroiled in controversies during his cricketing tenure, indirectly conveyed his views on the squad composition. His history of advocating for the integrity and standards of Pakistani cricket lent weight to his comment.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally introduced the 17-member squad for the anticipated series against New Zealand. The selection process was overseen by a committee comprising Abdul Razzaq, Muhammad Yusuf, Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz, and Bilal Afzal. This committee convened for a press conference at the PCB Headquarters located in Lahore, where they disclosed the roster.
The squad list included notable names such as Babar Azam, the team’s captain, along with key players like Muhammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Fakhar Zaman. Additionally, emerging talents such as Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, and Abbas Afridi were also among those selected. The diversity of experience and potential within the squad aimed to strike a balance between seasoned performers and promising prospects.
The announcement marked the culmination of a meticulous selection process, reflecting the efforts to assemble a competitive team capable of facing the challenges posed by the New Zealand side. Each player’s inclusion bore the weight of expectations, both from the cricketing fraternity and the passionate Pakistani supporters.
As the cricketing world awaited the showdown between Pakistan and New Zealand, the squad announcement stirred discussions and analysis within the cricketing community. Amidst the anticipation, Hafeez’s cryptic yet suggestive remark added another layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative, showcasing the depth of opinions and perspectives within Pakistani cricket.
