Former Pakistani Cricket Team captain and former member of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) technical committee, Mohammad Hafeez, has highlighted significant shortcomings in Pakistan's strategy for the ICC World Cup 2023 squad.
In an interview with a local TV channel, Mohammad Hafeez, also known as Professor, offered his analysis of the teams participating in the World Cup. He noted that all major teams in the ICC World Cup 2023 possess robust bench strength, while the Pakistani team appears to lack in this regard.
During the interview, Professor clarified that his role as a member of PCB's technical committee was to assist PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf in cricket-related matters and identify the weak areas of the Pakistan cricket team. He emphasized that it was PCB's responsibility to address these weaknesses, and as a member of the technical committee, he had fulfilled his duties without exceeding his mandate.
Hafeez pointed out several key issues within the team's composition. Firstly, he highlighted the absence of a suitable second opener for the national team. Additionally, he noted a lack of a batter ready to play at number 5 in the middle order.
Hafeez also mentioned the shortage of spinner options and the absence of a bowler capable of starting the bowling attack with the new ball. While acknowledging the talent within the Pakistani team, Hafeez stressed that no player seemed adequately prepared for these critical roles.
He also lamented the absence of Naseem Shah in the World Cup 2023 squad and expressed concern that no contingency plans appeared to be in place for potential injuries to key bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi or Haris Rauf during the ongoing 48-day event.
Additionally, Hafeez noted a deficiency in the team's bowling all-rounder. It's worth mentioning that Mohammad Hafeez resigned from his position as a member of PCB's technical committee just before the announcement of the national squad for the ICC 50-overs mega event.