The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named
for the upcoming tour to Australia, marking his first assignment in this role. The former national team captain is set to lead the team in the Test series down under.
Hafeez expressed profound honor and excitement for the assigned role, extending gratitude to the PCB. He emphasized his commitment to pursuing excellence and delivering results that would resonate with the supporters of the national team.
Addressing the PCB, Hafeez expressed, “Assuming the position of Team Director for the Pakistan Men’s Cricket Team is both an honor and a source of excitement for me. I extend my gratitude to the PCB for entrusting me with this challenging responsibility. I am dedicated to collaborative efforts with the coaching staff and players, aiming to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Hafeez has a rich cricketing history, having represented Pakistan in 55 Test matches, 218 One-Day Internationals, and 119 T20 Internationals. Originally from Sargodha, he grew up in Lahore and has vast experience playing overseas league cricket in Australia, England, India, the West Indies, Bangladesh, and Canada.
Hafeez’s cricketing journey is marked by notable achievements, with a standout moment being his pivotal role in winning the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy under the leadership of captain Sarfraz Ahmed. His contributions extended beyond individual glory, as he formed an integral part of a formidable spin trio, working in tandem with Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi. This trio’s dominance over opposition sides was a defining feature of cricket during the 2010s, showcasing Hafeez’s influence and strategic prowess on the field.