Former Pakistan cricket team director Mohammad Hafeez said the Green Shirts will struggle in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 as they are "not ready".
He made these comments while speaking to a local news channel on Friday. The former cricketer talked about the Pakistani team and its mindset.
“Look, as a Pakistani, my heart will always remain in the favour of Pakistan regardless of their performance. But, considering the facts, I think the Pakistan team will struggle,” Hafeez said.
“The only reason behind that is they are not ready in terms of the right formation and the mindset. Also, their roles are not defined yet like a controlled team,” he added.
However, the former captain selected Pakistan as one of the T20 World Cup semi-finalists despite his assertion that Babar Azam and Co. would struggle in the tournament.
“I would say the same thing again, if I were to say what my heart wants, I would pick Pakistan first. If I consider tactics and right formation then I think India can perform better in the West Indies.
“West Indies themselves could perform better there and alongside them, England could perform really well.”
Hafeez labelled Pakistan's home-series result against New Zealand as below par where they drew the series 2-2.
“Look, the lead-up wasn’t good, like 2-2 against New Zealand at home wasn’t in Pakistan’s favour. It is by no means justifiable. You just can’t do that because it was Pakistan’s full-strength side. Unfortunately, the results we were hoping for, as fans, did not come," he added.
“Pakistan then went to Ireland. There as well, Pakistan fielded a full-fledged side. But, after losing the first game, their recovery was very good. Like, the attitude they showed to win that series.
“At a certain stage, it seemed as if Pakistan would not be able to win this series. But their comeback was strong.
“They have every player in their arsenal but unfortunately, as of now, such mindset, body language and dominance, which we think Pakistan should have achieved, were not attained,” he concluded.
Pakistan chase down 109-run target in mere 11.5 overs without losing a single wicket in Women Asia Cup match
Iqbal has continued his winning streak as this is his third title in Australia this year
Indian cricketer warns those spreading news, saying: "If you have guts, then speak from verified pages"
National women's team experiences bad start as Blues chase down 109-run target in just 14.1 overs
This is because all-format players will not be issued the certificate as per the policy, say sources
"Natasa and I have decided to mutually part ways," says Indian cricketer in Instagram post