Hafeez urges PCB to part ways with underperforming Shaheen, Naseem and Haris

Former Pakistan cricket captain Mohammad Hafeez, who was instrumental in Pakistan's victory over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, has voiced his disappointment following Pakistan's recent defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During his commentary on PTV's coverage of the tournament, Hafeez called on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider releasing the current pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

Once regarded as the cornerstone of Pakistan’s bowling lineup, Hafeez now feels that this trio has consistently failed to perform in critical situations. In their opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand, they conceded over 200 runs.

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In a tense encounter against India in Dubai, they were unable to defend a modest target of 242 runs, allowing the Indian batsmen to seize control and successfully chase down the score.

Hafeez did not shy away from expressing his discontent, highlighting the ongoing shortcomings of the trio in various tournaments. "Since the Asia Cup in 2023, we had high hopes for this trio—Shaheen, Naseem, and Haris—to secure victories for us.

However, they have not delivered. The 2023 World Cup was a disaster. The 2022 T20 tournament in Melbourne was a disaster. And now, this Champions Trophy has also ended in failure," he remarked, clearly frustrated by their persistent underachievement.

Hafeez’s remarks have intensified the calls for a revamp of Pakistan’s fast-bowling unit, as the team struggles to find its footing on the international stage.