‘My 12-year-old son has better game awareness than Ramiz Raja’, Hafeez lashes out at former Pak captain over retirement remark | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘My 12-year-old son has better game awareness than Ramiz Raja’, Hafeez lashes out at former Pak captain over retirement remark

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | Byhindustantimes.com
Nov 23, 2020 08:32 PM IST

Ramiz Raja asked senior cricketers like Hafeez to retire gracefully and give opportunity to the youngsters to showcase their skills on a stage like the upcoming World Cup

Mohammad Hafeez’s induction into the Pakistan’s squad for New Zealand tour has led to a rift between the all-rounder and cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja. The war of words got intensified after Hafeez stated that his 12-year-old son has better game awareness than Raja.

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez (L), former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja (R)(Twitter)
Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez (L), former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja (R)(Twitter)

The episode began after Ramiz Raja showed disinterest over Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) backing experienced players and not giving enough chances to the youth ahead of the upcoming men’s T20 World Cup in India.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

ALSO READ | Shahid Afridi misses flight, in danger of not playing opening match of Galle Gladiators in LPL

The former Pakistan cricketer asked senior cricketers like Hafeez to retire gracefully and give opportunity to the youngsters to showcase their skills on a stage like the upcoming World Cup.

Disagreeing to Raja’s views, Hafeez gave a controversial statement during a conversation with Cricket Pakistan.

“I acknowledge Ramiz [Raja] services for Pakistan cricket as a player. I respect his opinion but I have reservations over his cricketing sense and game awareness. If you talk to my 12-year-old son, even his game awareness is better than Ramiz bhai,” Hafeez told Cricket Pakistan.

“If Ramiz bhai wants to continue saying such things to boost his YouTube channel, then I can’t stop him but I will continue to play for Pakistan as long as I’m fit and performing,” he further added.

Hafeez asserted that as long as he is fit and performing on the field, he deserves a place in the Pakistan dressing room.

“If I’m unable to meet the fitness and performance standards, or believe there is a better product ready for Pakistan, I’d happily leave. I’m very satisfied with my cricketing career,” Mohammad Hafeez said.

ALSO READ | India vs Australia: ‘Haven’t set any personal goal’, Indian youngster ‘excited’ for ODI series

Hafeez has been in a rich vein of form recently. He was adjudged as the man of the series in the T20I rubber against England, held in September earlier this year. He scored 155 runs in three matches at a strike-rate of 176.14.

In the recently concluded season of the Pakistan Super League, Hafeez was the mainstay for Lahore Qalandars in their run to the final.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and exclusive insights on the CSK vs GT Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times Website and Apps.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On