Introduction
When former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Hafeez made scathing remarks about players from the 1990s, a heated debate erupted on television. During a discussion on PTV Sports, Hafeez questioned their legacy, saying that despite their star power, they failed to win ICC tournaments. His remarks led to an uncomfortable exchange with legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar, who was clearly unhappy with the criticism.
Hafiz questions legacy of Pakistani cricketers of the 90s
Hafeez expressed his admiration for the cricket legends of the 1990s but highlighted their failure to inspire future generations by not winning major ICC events. He pointed out that despite reaching the final of the 1999 World Cup, Pakistan suffered crushing defeats and failed to win the title in 1996, 1999 and 2003.
“I am a big fan of the players who played in the 1990s, but when it comes to legacy, they left nothing for Pakistan. They didn’t win an ICC event,” Hafeez said.
Praise for Pakistan’s T20 and Champions Trophy wins
In contrast, Hafeez praised Pakistan’s success in the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy, calling them moments that really inspired the younger generation. He also said that fast players like Babar Azam are considered role models today because they were part of historic victories, even if their individual contributions may not have been the deciding factor.
He said, “In 2009, we had a great win under the captaincy of Younis Khan, which inspired the next generation. Then, in 2017, the Champions Trophy win became a major motivating factor for young cricketers. That is what the superstars of the 90s failed to do.” Shoaib Akhtar’s reaction and heated exchange As Hafeez continued his remarks, Shoaib Akhtar, a key figure in Pakistan’s cricketing success in the 90s and early 2000s, appeared visibly agitated. He reminded Hafeez of Pakistan’s dominance over India in ODIs. Akhtar hit back, “We have won the 73 ODIs that Pakistan won against India.” Hafeez acknowledged the contributions of previous generations, mentioning that the cricket played during Imran Khan’s era was excellent. However, Akhtar quickly intervened, saying that Hafeez’s remarks had already made an impact. Akhtar smiled and replied, “No, you can’t hide it now. This video is fully recorded. You have already spoken about all the big players.”
Conclusion
The on-air conversation between Hafeez and Akhtar highlights the long-standing debate about the legacy of Pakistan cricket. While the stars of the 90s were undoubtedly skilled, Hafeez’s argument that they did not win ICCs raises valid points. However, Akhtar and other veterans believe that their contribution cannot be underestimated. The discussion reflects the passion and pride that former players hold for their era, while also stressing the importance of winning major tournaments for long-term motivation.
FAQs
- What did Mohammad Hafeez say about Pakistani cricketers of the 90s?
Hafeez said that despite their immense talent, the cricketers of the 1990s failed to inspire future generations as they could not win any ICC events.
- How did Shoaib Akhtar react to Hafeez’s comments?
Akhtar completely disagreed with this and defended his era by referring to Pakistan’s victories over India in ODIs, suggesting that their contributions should not be overlooked.
- Why did Hafeez praise the 2009 and 2017 Pakistan teams?
He credited them for inspiring younger players by securing ICC trophies, which he believes the 90s superstars failed to do.
- Was Hafeez’s criticism justified?
Although his criticism was based on factual tournament results, it sparked controversy as many believe that the players of the 90s played a key role in Pakistan’s cricketing success.
- What was the significance of the debate?
The discussion highlights the importance of legacy in cricket and how success in major tournaments shapes future generations.