Tag: Mohammad Hafeez

  • Mohammad Hafeez’s DHA Lahore residence robbed of foreign currency

    Mohammad Hafeez’s DHA Lahore residence robbed of foreign currency

    Cricketer Mohammad Hafeez’s residence in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Lahore was burglarised by robbers on Tuesday. The cricketer and his family were not present at the time of the incident as they were in Islamabad for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.

    As per reports, the robbers broke into the house by cutting the grill and tampered with the security cameras to avoid being identified. They reportedly stole foreign currency including $20,000, 4,000 pounds, 3,000 euros, and 5,000 dirhams.

    A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against the unidentified robbers, and an investigation is currently underway to identify and apprehend the culprits.

  • Pakistan to host Cricket World Cup for veteran players in 2023

    Pakistan will host Cricket World Cup for veteran players in the next year 2023. The age limit for players to play in the tournament would be 40 and above.

    According to Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), 12 teams will play in the tournament which will commence on September 23, 2023, at six venues in Karachi while the final match will be played on October 8.

    Fawad Ijaz Khan, Chairman PVCA told the media: “Pakistan will be joined in the World Cup by old rivals – India, Australia, England, New Zealand, West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Canada, USA, Zimbabwe, Wales, UAE, and Namibia.”

    He added, “It is going to be a major event and we will take all steps to make sure that we host it successfully.”

    “We have a number of leading cricketers who would be eligible to compete in the World Cup. We are hoping that top players like Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, and Mohammad Hafeez will play for Pakistan. We are going to field a very strong team and will be the favorites to win the World Cup,” he further said.

    There is a new concept that will give an opportunity to former cricketers to play on the fields again while young audiences and players will also get another chance to see their seniors playing on the grounds.

    Every match will be of 45 overs and local TV channels will broadcast the matches of Pakistan including the semi-finals and finals live.

    The Veterans World Cup, aged above 50, was first launched in Australia in 2018. However, its second edition was canceled due to a covid pandemic.

  • ‘No infrastructure’: Hafeez questions PM Khan over no focus on sports

    ‘No infrastructure’: Hafeez questions PM Khan over no focus on sports

    Former captain of Pakistan cricket team Mohammad Hafeez has some reservations with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government over no clear sports policies for athletes in the country.

    Talking to Cricket Pakistan, the former cricketer said that it is a big question mark on “sportsman” Imran Khan that there are no special arrangments for sports in Pakistan by him.

    “Personally, I am disappointed with the current government,” Hafeez said.

    “No infrastructure has been set where sportsperson in our country can excel. This is a huge setback for me. I know our prime minister is a sportsman and if there is no focus on sports in his tenure, then this is a huge question mark,” Hafeez added.

    The 41-year-old cricketer further talked about Khan’s decison to shut down departmental cricket while he also praised the former head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and Test player Azhar Ali for raising the matter.

    “I am proud of them. They took a big step and sincerely raised concern for others. Pakistan is not yet a welfare state and departments were catering to many players, they were fulfilling financial needs. No alternative has been found yet either.”

    Meanwhile, Hafeez urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to call back players from franchise leagues as they receive huge contracts and calling them back damage their reputation.

    “Calling back players from leagues put a dent on a player’s portfolio. Recently, Pakistan players were called back from BBL. I want PCB to revisit this process. When players get NOC, he must play completely as his and Pakistan’s reputation is at stake.” Hafeez emphasised as he has been called back from leagues midway on many occasions in the recent past.

    Hafeez also lauded skipper Babar Azam for brilliantly leading the national team.

    The cricketer also cleared the air about his clashes with the board. “There was no rift with anyone but yes, I had some principle stances on which I don’t compromise. I stood tall against the things and raised my voice. People were unhappy with it and they took some decisions which were felt that my relationships were not on good terms with higher authorities.”

    Hafeez recently announced his retirement from cricket and said that he had planned to announce it after the 2020 World Cup but it got delayed due to Covid and then he announced it after playing the T20 World Cup in 2021.

    Hafeez said that he will happily serve Pakistan cricket in the future in any capacity but won’t run after money as a job-seeker in the cricket board.

    He concluded by hailing Shaheen Shah’s growth as a pacer and is looking forward to playing under him for Lahore Qalandars in the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), starting from January 27 at the National Stadium Karachi.

  • Professor’s wife says she will miss Hafeez in Pakistan’s ‘green top’

    Professor’s wife says she will miss Hafeez in Pakistan’s ‘green top’

    Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez’s wife Nazia Hafeez has said that she will miss her husband in Pakistan’s cricket team’s jersey.

    Sharing a picture of her husband while getting ready for the press conference, she wrote: “I was so emotional in the morning when you were getting ready to go for press conference to announce your retirement.”

    The star all-rounder’s wife said that she is proud of her man. She also said: “As your number one fan will miss you in Pakistan green top. love you.”

    Hafeez announced his retirement on Monday at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters.

    “Today I say goodbye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction,” Hafeez said at a media conference in Lahore wearing the Pakistan team’s green blazer and tie.

    “In fact, I have earned and accomplished more than I had initially envisaged and for that, I am thankful to all my fellow cricketers, captains, support staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board who helped me out during my career.”

    The 41-year-old cricketer quit Test cricket in 2018 and played his last ODI in the 2019 World Cup at Lord’s. He was recalled in 2020 for T20 matches and finished the year as the world’s leading run-scorer in the calendar year in the shortest format. His international debut was in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2003, and his last match was Pakistan’s defeat against Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final last November.

  • ‘Memorable career’: Skipper, other cricketers pen notes for Hafeez

    ‘Memorable career’: Skipper, other cricketers pen notes for Hafeez

    Pakistani cricketers, along with skipper Babar Azam, took to their social media to congratulate and pen heartfelt notes for Professor aka Mohammad Hafeez after he announced his retirement from a successful career of 18 years in international cricket.

    Taking to Twitter, Babar wrote: “A memorable career comes to an end. I have learnt a lot from @mhafeez22 bhai and his experiences. Thank you for your guidance along the time we shared on the field. Happy retirement, professor!”

    Former Pakistani pacer Umar Gul wrote: “We started our career together and since that day, i have known u to be one of the most kindest and straightforward person. U have given so much to the world of cricket during these years n we will surely miss watchn u play for Pakistan. Wishing u prosperity ahead.”

    https://twitter.com/mdk_gul/status/1477901591277555712?s=20

    “Oye Ustaada @MHafeez22 great international career MaShAllah…You have been an outstanding player & a team mate.Thank you for serving Pakistan cricket. All the very best for future Happy Retirement Ustaad G,” said former Pakistani wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal on Twitter.

    Former Pakistan Women Cricket team’s captain Sana Mir also penned a message for the batter, saying: “Congratulations @MHafeez22 on a gritty career. You have always held the honour of our country high and we are all very thank you to you for all your services. All the best for all future plans.”

    Several other cricketers extended well wishes for the former Pakistan captain with many hashtags like Happy Retirement, End of an Era, Professor and Mohammad Hafeez.

    Taking to Twitter, Hafeez said: “My journey of pride representing Pakistan came to an end & i m proudly retiring from international cricket with great satisfaction & joy. Thank u all for 18 years of support. Maintaining highest level of pride & dignity always is my most valuable achievement.”

    “Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.

    Former cricketers Bazid Khan and Saeed Ajmal also congratulated him under his tweet.

    “I’m extremely lucky & proud to have been considered worthy of donning the national kit for 18 years. Every time I stepped on the field, I tried to raise the country’s profile & image by playing hard & tough but within the traditions & spirit of cricket,” he said in a press conference at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Headquarters today (Monday) in Lahore.

    Hafeez played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 119 T20Is while amassing 12,780 runs across formats, and grabbed 32 Player-of-the-Match awards, the fourth-highest among Pakistan players in all international cricket, with only Shahid Afridi (43), Wasim Akram (39) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (33) above him. In addition to that, Hafeez also earned nine Player-of-the-Series awards, joint-second with Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.

    Meanwhile, Hafeez’z on-field opponent Dale Steyn took to Twitter and said: ” Many a great battle with this man, end of the day, we had the best time and memories we can enjoy forever!”

    “Congratulations on a wonderful international career! Inspired your nation and played the game the right way, well done,” he added.

  • The Professor Mohammad Hafeez announces retirement from international cricket

    The Professor Mohammad Hafeez announces retirement from international cricket

    Former Pakistan cricket team captain Mohammad Hafeez has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career spanning more than 18 years with the Pakistan side. His international debut was in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2003, and his last match was Pakistan’s defeat against Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final last November.

    The 41-year-old top-order batter and off-spinner, has signed up with Lahore Qalandars for the upcoming edition of the PSL and will continue to be available for franchise cricket around the world.

    As per his ESPN cricinfo, Hafeez played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 119 T20Is while amassing 12,780 runs across formats, and grabbed 32 Player-of-the-Match awards, the fourth-highest among Pakistan players in all international cricket, with only Shahid Afridi (43), Wasim Akram (39) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (33) above him. In addition to that, Hafeez also earned nine Player-of-the-Series awards, joint-second with Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.

    Hafeez retired from Test cricket in December 2018, with selectors later deciding to move on from him in ODIs after the 2019 World Cup, where he played his last match of the format – against Bangladesh at Lord’s.

    He is the only Pakistan player to have played in all but one T20 World Cup – the one Pakistan ended up winning in 2009 – and holds the Pakistan record for most T20 World Cup appearances. Hafeez also led Pakistan to the 2012 World T20 semi-final.

    After he announced his retirement, his colleagues and Twitterati wished him good luck with heart-warming messages.

    https://twitter.com/mdk_gul/status/1477901591277555712?s=20

  • ‘We are embarrassed’: Shoaib Malik condemns ‘violence’ in Sialkot, demands punishment for ‘culprits’

    ‘We are embarrassed’: Shoaib Malik condemns ‘violence’ in Sialkot, demands punishment for ‘culprits’

    Pakistan national cricketer Shoaib Malik, who belongs to Sialkot, has condemned the ‘violence’ in Sialkot by a mob.

    Taking to Twitter, the cricketer said: “My heartiest condolences, I stand with the family of the deceased & strongly condemn this act of violence.”

    He also said that what happened there should not have happened. The cricketer also demanded punishment for the culprits.

    He further added: “What happened, shouldn’t have happened, we are embarrassed. The culprits should be punished at the earliest… #Sialkot.”

    Former captain of Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi also expressed his thoughts, sharing a Quranic verse: “Whosoever kills a person … it shall be as if he has killed all mankind.”

    Similarly, Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez expressed his grief on Twitter.

    “Condemning horrific attack on a factory & shameful incident in Sialkot. As Pakistani i wil call it a black day for our society,” he wrote while adding hashtags of #Sialkot and #Justice.”

    The gut-wrenching incident took place on Sialkot’s Wazirabad Road, where workers of private factories brutally lynched a Sri Lankan national, Priyantha Kumara, on Friday.

    The nation was shell-shocked and disgusted when the Sri Lankan national was brutally lynched and his body was set on fire by the mob. The sickening incident outraged the nation as the civil and military leaders denounced it as “horrific” “shameful” and “extra-judicial vigilantism”.

    Several gruesome video clips shared on social media showed a mob beating the victim while chanting slogans against blasphemy.

    President Arif Alvi said the vigilante attack has nothing to do with religion as Prime Minister Imran Khan promised that those responsible “will be punished with the full severity of the law”.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted that the “horrific, vigilante attack” on the factory and the burning alive of the Sri Lankan man was “a day of shame for Pakistan”.

    “I am overseeing the investigations and, let there be no mistake, all those responsible will be punished with the full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress,” he added.

    Chief Minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar tweeted that he was “extremely shocked at the horrific Sialkot incident”.

    According to the latest updates, more than 100 people, including 13 of the main culprits have been arrested.

    Police is identifying all the culprits using CCTV footages.

    Meanwhile, the IG Punjab has ordered officials to submit a report within 48 hours.

  • Pakistani cricketers mourn the loss of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan

    Pakistani cricketers mourn the loss of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan

    Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan passed away on Sunday after a long fight with his illness. Many cricketers including Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar and others took to Twitter to express their distress.

    While former cricketer and Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also extended his condolences for the great Pakistani scientist.

    Dr Khan was admitted to a local hospital where his health deteriorated early morning on Sunday. PTV said that the nuclear scientist died after being transferred to a hospital with lung problems.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter and wrote that Dr Khan was loved by the nation because of his critical contribution to making Pakistan a nuclear weapon state.

    A large number of people, including cabinet members, parliamentarians and military officers, attended the funeral prayers of the national icon.

  • ‘Much needed’: Pak cricketers motivated after meeting PM ahead of T20 World Cup

    ‘Much needed’: Pak cricketers motivated after meeting PM ahead of T20 World Cup

    Pakistan T20 World Cup team met Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday. The cricketers were motivated after having a pep-talk with the premier.

    Taking to their social media, Pakistani cricketers expressed their joy at meeting Imran Khan.

    “Had a great meeting with the PM. Always a pleasure to learn from legend of the game himself,” wrote the captain of Pakistan cricket team Babar Azam on Twitter.

    Mohammad Hafeez took to his Twitter and wrote: “Always inspirational to meet my Hero & PM of our country @ImranKhanPTI. Pakistan Zindabad.”

    “An absolute pleasure to have attended a meeting with Prime Minister,” wrote pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

    Hassan Ali wrote: “A great and much needed meeting with Pakistan’s greatest cricket hero of all-times. Thank you honourable prime minister @ImranKhanPTI for your time and the words of motivation. Pleasure meeting you always.”

    While the PM also took to Instagram to share a picture of their meeting.

  • ‘Same route, same security but no threat today?’: Mohammad Hafeez questions the Black Caps departure

    ‘Same route, same security but no threat today?’: Mohammad Hafeez questions the Black Caps departure

    Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez took to Twitter to question the departure of the Black Caps, and tweeted, “Thanks to the security of Pakistan forces to make arrangements to @BLACKCAPS to reach airport Safe & Sound. Wonder same route & same security but no threat today???”

    A day after New Zealand abandoned their Pakistan tour, the newly appointed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja on Saturday called on players to channel their frustration into their performance.

    In a video message, shared by the PCB, Ramiz Raja said: “Release your frustration and anger by channeling it towards your performance.”

    “Everyone will want to play against you. So I want us to learn from this, move forward, and keep strong. There is no need to be disappointed,” said Ramiz.

    “We will do whatever we can and you will soon get to hear good news and results,” said the chairman.

    “It is a shared pain and whatever happened is not right for Pakistani cricket,” he said, calling the situation an “unfortunate scenario”.

    “We have experienced such situations in the past but we have always moved forward. We have a lot of resilience and strength, and that is because of the fans and the cricket team,” he said.

    Meanwhile, a PCB official speaking with Dawn said, “This is a blow to the efforts the PCB, the government, and the security agencies who had been making to fully restore international cricket in Pakistan.”

    “The ICC has done nothing in these cases,” the official added. “Furthermore since the Indian lobby is strong at the ICC, so it will not be easy for the PCB to win any case of compensation against New Zealand.”

    “There isn’t much hope that England will tour now,” said the official.

    On Friday, the New Zealand cricket team had backed out of its tour of Pakistan over security concerns minutes before the first match was scheduled to start at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.