Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has come ahead to make clear his current feedback on the nation’s previous cricket stars, asserting that his remarks have been taken out of context and fabricated by sure media homes. Hafeez’s authentic assertion, which appeared to criticise legendary cricketers from the 1990s and early 2000s for failing to win ICC occasions, sparked widespread debate amongst cricket fans and veterans alike.
Taking to X, Hafeez addressed the controversy, saying, “Among the media homes are fabricating the precise content material. Context of debate was all about Groups successful ICC occasions to encourage coming generations. Subsequently I defined how the greats of sport from Pakistan with all of the cricket expertise they’ve couldn’t win ICC occasions (submit 92 WC) in 1996, 1999 & 2003. It was by no means a private criticism on any of the respective participant from my facet.”
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The controversy arose after Pakistan’s disappointing efficiency within the lately concluded Champions Trophy, the place the crew didn’t safe a single win within the group stage. The early exit, regardless of being the nation’s first ICC match internet hosting in almost three many years, has drawn extreme criticism from cricket pundits and former gamers.
Throughout an look on the OutSide Edge Stay present, Hafeez commented on the dearth of ICC trophies gained by Pakistan’s cricketing greats from the 1990s. His remarks got here throughout a panel dialogue with former tempo bowler Shoaib Akhtar, ex-batter Shoaib Malik, and former ladies’s cricket captain Sana Mir.
Hafeez remarked: “I’m an enormous fan of those that performed within the 1990s, however in terms of legacy, they left nothing for Pakistan. They did not win an ICC occasion – they misplaced the (World Cups of) 1996, 1999, and 2003. We reached one last (within the 1999 World Cup) and misplaced that badly. As stars, as gamers, they have been the mega superstars. However then they could not encourage us by successful an ICC occasion.”
Shoaib Akhtar, visibly displeased with the remark, retorted: “These 73 one-dayers that Pakistan gained in opposition to India, it’s us who gained it.”
Hafeez then elaborated on his perspective, acknowledging the achievements of earlier generations: “Little question, and there was a really sturdy legacy for the reason that time of Imran Khan. There was some nice cricket performed throughout their time as nicely. No, you possibly can’t cowl up now, this video has been made already. You have already spoken about all massive gamers.”
The remarks additionally drew a response from legendary Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis, who took to social media to reply not directly. Posting a photograph with fellow legend Wasim Akram, Waqar wrote: “90’s KA LONDA.”
He additionally highlighted their mixed Take a look at and ODI appearances and the variety of wickets they took, subtly defending the legacy of the ’90s cricket legends.
Hafeez’s clarification on X goals to ease tensions amongst followers and former gamers alike, emphasising that his intent was to not undermine the efforts or legacies of Pakistan’s cricket greats however quite to debate the influence of successful ICC occasions on inspiring future generations.
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