Pakistan players frustrated with head coach Mohammad Hafeez: Reports

After the debacle of the ODI World Cup 2023, it was expected that a new beginning for Pakistani cricket under the leadership of former captain Mohammad Hafeez. But things seem to have not gone according to the plan. The former Pakistan batter who recently assumed the dual responsibilities of team director and interim head coach, has yet to achieve a victory with the team since taking over before the Australia tour.

In addition to the challenges on the field, Hafeez is facing hurdles in building a strong connection with the players in his early coaching tenure. Issues have arisen regarding his coaching methods, specifically the prolonged and repetitive nature of team meetings. Reports from Pakistan indicate player discontent, with some expressing dissatisfaction and finding the extended lectures monotonous and repetitive.

“He holds very long meetings and gives long lectures and some of the players get restless because same things are repeated,” one of the players said as reported by Times of India.

Discrimination in granting NOCs to participate in foreign leagues

Despite being involved in the coaching and selection changes following the World Cup, recent reports indicate player dissatisfaction with the prolonged meetings conducted by Hafeez. The discontent extends to perceived bias in granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for participation in foreign leagues.

While players like Shadab Khan, Azam Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi received NOCs promptly for the International League T20 in the Emirates, others faced delays, supposedly due to Hafeez’s involvement, when seeking permission for the Bangladesh Premier League. The PCB has authorized Hafeez to make decisions regarding NOCs for players participating in foreign leagues.

In addition to this, there have been videos and images of Hafeez offering coaching tips, ranging from wicketkeeping skills to Azam Khan to providing batting and bowling advice to spinners, have circulated on social media. This has sparked inquiries into the extent of his involvement in the team’s coaching duties.

Moreover, reports further indicate that even the foreign batting coach, Adam Hollioake, is uneasy with Hafeez’s multifaceted role in various aspects of the team’s operations. The discontent within the team raises concerns about the allocation of coaching responsibilities and its potential impact on the morale of players during critical tours.