In the aftermath of the disappointing ODI World Cup 2023, significant changes unfolded within the Pakistan cricket team. Babar Azam relinquished his captaincy, and a series of alterations were made in the coaching staff, assuming the role of national team director, aimed to usher in a positive transformation. However, the team faced substantial setbacks during tours to Australia and New Zealand. Following the premature conclusion of his tenure, Hafeez has now shed light on the challenging discussions he engaged in with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan during his leadership.
Babar Azam’s struggle with the bat persisted from the ODI World Cup to the tours of Australia and New Zealand. Hafeez disclosed the arduous process of persuading Babar to take on the No. 3 batting position for the team’s improvement.
“It took nearly two months to convince Babar Azam that, for the greater good of Pakistan, he should undertake this role. I emphasized that, while he is an exceptional player, he is not the sole force driving the team. Both he and Rizwan are outstanding players, but they are not the entire team,” conveyed Hafeez during an A-Sports interview.
Acknowledging Babar’s proficiency in the No. 3 role in ODI cricket over the past six years, Hafeez expressed gratitude for Babar’s acceptance of the strategic move. He stressed the need to develop a cohesive team, commending Babar for embracing the challenge and contributing to Pakistan’s cause by batting at No. 3. In the subsequent T20I series against New Zealand, Babar Azam assumed the No. 3 position, with Saim Ayub taking up the opening role alongside Rizwan. The shift proved fruitful as Babar amassed 213 runs in five matches against the Kiwis, maintaining an average of 42.60. This alteration in the batting order, advocated by Hafeez, marked a positive turn of events for Pakistan on the field.
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