Hafeez prioritises Pakistan, red-ball cricket, and domestic cricket

Hafeez prioritises Pakistan, red-ball cricket, and domestic cricket

Team director gives contrasting views on captaincy, unveils NOC policy 

Asher Butt

Newly appointed Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez has emphasized the importance of prioritizing national commitments, red-ball cricket, and domestic cricket for Pakistani players, particularly those considering participation in foreign leagues.

Hafeez's remarks come amidst discussions surrounding the NOC policy for Pakistani cricketers, which governs their participation in overseas leagues. Recent instances, such as all-rounder Imad Wasim's decision to skip the Pakistan Cup and the ongoing National T20 in favor of the Abu Dhabi T10, have highlighted the need for a clear and balanced approach to player participation in foreign leagues.

Addressing the NOC policy, Hafeez acknowledged the growing popularity of leagues but stressed the need to balance participation with national commitments and workload management. He emphasized that players with central contracts should prioritize representing Pakistan and that decisions regarding NOCs will be made with Pakistan's priorities in mind.

Hafeez also underscored the importance of red-ball cricket, which forms the foundation of a player's skills. He expressed concern about a trend among some Pakistani players to move away from red-ball cricket, emphasizing its crucial role in developing players' overall cricketing abilities.

"Red-ball cricket is the most important cricket, but we're seeing many players in Pakistan are moving away from or don't want to play red-ball cricket. To bring focus back, we're going to take some measures. Perhaps some people will feel they're a little harsh, but this is important to save Pakistan cricket," Hafeez asserted.

Hafeez also addressed the recent retirements of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, two experienced and talented cricketers. He revealed that he had personally spoken to both players, encouraging them to reconsider their decisions and continue representing Pakistan.

Regarding Wasim's retirement, Hafeez expressed surprise, considering the all-rounder's impressive form and recent performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He echoed the sentiments of former captain Rashid Latif, who had also urged Wasim to reconsider his retirement decision.

In the case of Amir, Hafeez acknowledged the fast bowler's desire to move on in life and pursue other priorities. He wished Amir well for the future while emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket for any player seeking to return to the national team.

Hafeez's message to Pakistani players is clear: prioritize representing Pakistan, excel in domestic cricket, and recognize the importance of red-ball cricket as the cornerstone of a player's development. Balancing these priorities with participation in foreign leagues will be a crucial aspect of the NOC policy, ensuring that Pakistan's cricket future remains strong.