Mohammad Hafeez faces uncertainty over long-term role with Pakistan cricket amidst PCB changes

Mohammad Hafeez, serving as the Pakistan team director, may not secure a prolonged tenure with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), currently overseen by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (Sports) through its appointees. Discussions regarding Hafeez's future and his contract unfolded in Lahore during his meeting with the PCB's acting chairman, election commissioner Shah Khawar, and chief operating officer Salman Naseer, focusing on recent tours and contractual agreements.

Initially, Zaka Ashraf, the former chairman of the PCB's interim committee, had provisionally employed Hafeez for a month with the prospect of extending his contract to three years. However, this plan hit a snag during the team's New Zealand tour when Ashraf's proposal for extension faced delays from the ministry.

Insiders reveal that Hafeez was informed his extended contract is under ministry review during a post-tour discussion. However, concerns were raised about his performance during the tours of Australia and New Zealand, affecting the ministry's satisfaction levels. The final decision on his role now rests with the incoming chairman, leaving Hafeez without guarantees.

Complicating matters, Hafeez's initial contract expired mid-tour in Australia on December 15, leading him to continue his duties unpaid. He has since expressed his intention to settle his dues regardless of future decisions regarding his position.

Despite Hafeez's willingness to remain as the team's director, the reception to his interest has been lukewarm. Pakistan's cricket team faced a challenging series abroad, being swept 3-0 in the Test series in Australia and losing 4-1 in the T20 series against New Zealand.

With Mohsin Naqvi, the caretaker chief minister of Punjab nominated by the ministry for a role in the PCB's interim committee, anticipated changes may include the reevaluation of appointments and decisions made by Ashraf, casting further doubt on Hafeez's long-term association with Pakistan cricket.

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(With PTI inputs)