Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has made explosive claims, alleging that some players use fabricated injury reports to avoid participating in domestic cricket.
Speaking on Tapmad, Hafeez said he was making the remarks “with deep regret” and questioned the commitment of certain cricketers.
“I’m telling you this with deep regret — people get their own reports made up,” Hafeez said. “When they have to play domestic cricket, suddenly workload and injuries show up. But when they don’t want to miss a league game or play on consecutive days, everything is fine.”
‘Red-Ball Cricket Will Save Pakistan’
Hafeez also criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for what he described as a lack of respect for red-ball cricket.
“We’re not giving red-ball cricket the respect it deserves,” he said. “Let me give you an example — your centrally contracted captain is placed in Category D. What kind of respect is that for your red-ball cricket?”
He stressed that Pakistan’s long-term success depends on strengthening the traditional format rather than prioritising T20 leagues.
“T20 cricket isn’t going to save Pakistan cricket — red-ball cricket will. You have to focus on domestic cricket and give importance to red-ball cricket. Tell these players: go and play red-ball cricket. If you don’t, you won’t get a central contract.”
World Cup Exit Intensifies Scrutiny
Hafeez’s comments come in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the Super 8 stage.
In their crucial final match, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 to qualify for the semifinals. Despite a strong start, they failed to defend the total as Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka smashed a blistering 76* off 31 balls.
Sri Lanka required 28 runs in the final over. Shanaka hammered 22 off the first four deliveries before Shaheen Afridi bowled two dot balls, but it wasn’t enough as Sri Lanka secured a five-run victory.
Earlier in the match, Sahibzada Farhan struck a century while Fakhar Zaman contributed 84, but the bowling unit’s inability to close out the game proved costly.
With the team under heavy scrutiny following another ICC tournament setback, reports suggest major changes could be imminent, including the possible removal of T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and senior batter Babar Azam.
Hafeez’s remarks are likely to add further pressure on the PCB as calls grow louder for structural reforms in Pakistan cricket.
