Lahore: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez questioned the new central contracts. He asked why Pakistan has no A category player in the list.
Hafeez Criticizes PCB Contracts
Mohammad Hafeez said it is shocking that the Test captain is placed in the D category. He noted that Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali, and Saud Shakeel, who helped Pakistan win Tests and series, are only in C category.
He argued that such decisions show Pakistan cricket undervalues Test and first-class formats. According to him, this attitude is the main reason for the recent decline in performance.
Importance of Test Cricket
Hafeez stressed that ignoring Test cricket weakens the overall system. He said cricketers who perform in longer formats deserve respect and higher rewards. He warned that downgrading red-ball cricket will hurt Pakistan in the future.
Earlier Comments on Key Players
Earlier, Hafeez said Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are not the only “key players.” He called Salman Ali Agha the real match-winner for Pakistan. He praised Salman for consistent performances across all formats.
Hafeez highlighted that Salman’s all-round skills bring balance to the team. He urged selectors and management to recognize consistent performers instead of focusing only on star names.
Growing Debate in Cricket Circles
His latest comments add fuel to the ongoing debate about the Pakistan Cricket Board’s handling of players. Many former cricketers have already criticized the imbalance in contracts.
Analysts believe that undervaluing Test cricketers will push young players toward limited-overs formats. They argue that a weak Test system will damage Pakistan’s cricketing reputation.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet responded to Hafeez’s remarks. Fans on social media are actively discussing his criticism and questioning the current contract policy.
