Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez faced heavy criticism after saying that past generations of Pakistan cricketers did not leave a lasting legacy. However, Hafeez clarified that his remarks were misrepresented by the media, stating that his words on former cricketers were never personal criticism.
Earlier, Hafeez criticized Pakistan’s cricketers from the 1990s for failing to secure ICC trophies. Pakistan had to wait 17 years before winning another ICC trophy when they clinched the 2009 T20 World Cup in England. The Men in Green had to wait another eight years before securing the Champions Trophy title in 2017.
They Couldn’t Inspire Us by Winning an ICC Event – Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez’s remarks came in the wake of Pakistan’s disastrous campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. As the tournament hosts and defending champions, Pakistan endured a winless run, losing to New Zealand and arch-rivals India before a washed-out match against Bangladesh sealed their exit.
The Mohammad Rizwan-led team finished at the bottom of their group. They failed to reach the semifinals in what was their first ICC event at home since the 1996 ODI World Cup. The poor performance triggered widespread criticism, with Hafeez’s “no legacy” comment further fueling controversy.
“I am a huge fan of those who played in the 1990s but when it comes to legacy, they left nothing for Pakistan. They didn’t win an ICC event. As stars, as players, they were the mega superstars. But then they couldn’t inspire us by winning an ICC event,” Hafeez said.
Media Houses Are Fabricating the Actual Content – Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez faced intense backlash for his remarks, with former cricketers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Inzamam-ul-Haq among those criticizing him.
In response to the controversy, Hafeez took to social media to clarify his statement. He stated that Pakistan managed to win only one ICC trophy despite having immense talent in the 1990s. Hafeez also accused some media houses of misrepresenting his words.
“Some of the media houses are fabricating the actual content. The context of the discussion was all about Teams winning ICC events to inspire coming generations,” Mohammad Hafeez tweeted on Monday night.
“Therefore I explained how the greats of game from Pakistan with all the cricket talent they have couldn’t win ICC events (post 92 WC) in 1996,1999 & 2003. It was never a personal criticism on any of the respective player from my side,” he added.
Some of the media houses are fabricating the actual content. Context of discussion was all about Teams winning ICC events to inspire coming generations. Therefore I explained how the greats of game from Pakistan with all the cricket talent they have couldn’t win ICC events (post…
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) March 17, 2025
Pakistan Struggle Across Formats with Disappointing Performances
After finishing as runners-up in the 2022 T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s performances in ICC events have been disappointing. They failed to reach the semis in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Their struggles continued in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where defeats to the USA and India in the group stage ended their campaign early.
Pakistan suffered a humiliating Test series whitewash at home against Bangladesh. A revamped Pakistan squad is competing in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. However, their struggles persisted in the opening game, where they were bowled out for just 91 and suffered a nine-wicket defeat.
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