Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has strongly criticized the national team’s three frontline fast bowlers, calling for their removal due to persistent underperformance.

Speaking on a local sports channel, Hafeez expressed his frustration with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, stating that their performances have been below expectations since Asia Cup 2023.

Lackluster Performance in Major Tournaments

Hafeez pointed out that despite their talent, these three pacers have failed to deliver match-winning performances in crucial tournaments like the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“We have to accept that, despite their talent, they have not won us a major tournament. It’s time to move forward and give opportunities to other bowlers.” – Mohammad Hafeez

Who Should Replace Them?

Hafeez proposed introducing fresh talent into the bowling attack, suggesting names like:

Mohammad Ali
Khurram Shahzad
Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Akif Javed
Mir Hamza

He emphasized that these young bowlers deserve a chance and should be given the opportunity to represent Pakistan.

“They are waiting for their turn, and they deserve it. They also hold Pakistani passports and should be given a fair chance.”

Babar Azam Also Under Scrutiny

Hafeez also spoke about Babar Azam, questioning his inability to lead Pakistan to a victory against India in the last 10 years.

He suggested that Babar should bat at No. 3 permanently, as it would help strengthen the middle order alongside Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha.

“Pakistan needs a solid middle order, and a combination of Babar, Rizwan, and Agha can provide stability.”

Conclusion

Hafeez’s comments have sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts, with many agreeing that Pakistan needs a new bowling strategy to compete at the highest level. As the Champions Trophy approaches, all eyes will be on the team’s selection and performance.