Mohammed Hafeez steps down from Pakistan Cricket's Technical Committee position ahead of World Cup 2023

In a surprising turn of events ahead of the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has made the decision to step down from his position within the Pakistan Cricket's Technical Committee. This committee, comprising cricketing stalwarts such as Misbah-ul-Haq, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Hafeez himself, plays a pivotal role in advising the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Zaka Ashraf, on strategies and improvements for the national team.

The veteran batter took to his official social media handle to announce his departure from the committee, extending his gratitude to Zaka Ashraf for the opportunity he had been given. He expressed his unwavering commitment to Pakistan cricket, pledging his availability whenever his services were required in the future.

"I decided to leave Pakistan cricket technical committee. I served as honorary member. I would like to thank Zaka Ashraf sb for giving me this opportunity. I’m always available whenever Zaka Ashraf sb need my honest suggestions for Pakistan cricket. My best wishes for Pakistan cricket as always. Pakistan Zindabad.” Hafeez wrote on his ‘X’ handle.

I decided to leave Pakistan cricket technical committee. I served as honorary member. I would like to thank Zaka Ashraf sb for giving me this opportunity. I m always available whenever Zaka Ashraf sb need my honest suggestions for Pakistan cricket. My best wishes for Pakistan…

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) September 21, 2023

PCB chief Zaka Ashraf stresses on players giving ‘National Duty’ priority

The decision comes on the heels of a recent performance review meeting held by the PCB following Pakistan's exit from the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan's campaign in the tournament ended prematurely during the Super 4 stage, marked by defeats against arch-rivals India and Sri Lanka. The meeting, orchestrated by Zaka Ashraf, featured the presence of Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam, vice-captain Shadab Khan, and key coaching staff, alongside Misbah and Hafeez.

In a statement released by the PCB, Zaka Ashraf shed light on the discussions that transpired during the meeting, pinpointing a significant issue in player workload management. He said, "Discussion revealed that the previous management had allowed a lot of players to play league cricket which caused them to be fatigued ahead of their national duty. But going forward we have agreed to form a proactive approach to tackle players' workload and give national duty a priority."