Hafeez defends his controversial remarks on Pakistan's 90s cricketing legends
What's the story
Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has sought to clarify his recent comments questioning the legacy of the nation's cricketing icons from the 1990s. His remarks had triggered a massive backlash from Pakistan's cricket community, after the team's dismal performance in the Champions Trophy 2025. The team, under Mohammad Rizwan, went winless in the tournament, losing to New Zealand and India, and having their last match against Bangladesh canceled due to rain.
Controversy
Hafeez's comments spark backlash from cricket community
During a live television broadcast, Hafeez slammed the legacy of cricketers who played for Pakistan in the 1990s. He said despite their famous 1992 World Cup win, they didn't deliver in the following ICC tournaments. "I am a huge fan of those who played in the 1990s, but when it comes to legacy, they left nothing for Pakistan," he said. His remarks drew severe criticism from former cricketers like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis among others.
Clarification
Hafeez clarifies his statement, denies personal attack
In the wake of the backlash, Hafeez took to social media to clarify his statement. He stressed that his remarks were not a personal attack on any player but an observation about Pakistan's cricketing history. "Some of the media houses are fabricating the actual content," he said. "It was never a personal criticism on any of the respective players from my side."
Twitter Post
Here is the post!
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
Support
Inzamam-ul-Haq defends 1990s cricketers against Hafeez's remarks
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has defended the legacy of 1990s cricketers, saying their contribution to the sport can't be undermined. He said without these players, Pakistan cricket would lose its strength. "The era of the '90s has given us a lot," he said. Akram acknowledged Hafeez's statements but chose not to elaborate on them despite having much to say.