Hafeez faces uphill battle for long-term role with Pakistan cricket team

Mohammad Hafeez was appointed as the Team Director for the Pakistan cricket team by the PCB Management Committee in November last year. Despite Hafeez expressing interest in a long-term contract, the committee, limited to handling day-to-day affairs, lacks the authority to finalize such decisions. To secure government approval, a letter was sent, but a positive response has not been received.

The team's recent underwhelming performances in tours to Australia and New Zealand may pose challenges for Hafeez to maintain his position if there is a change in management. Likewise, the decision to appoint Azhar Ali as the Director of the National Cricket Academy was made. However, approval for this decision was also not granted by the government.

The PCB Management Committee's meeting scheduled for yesterday was unexpectedly canceled. This last-minute cancellation, prompted by a letter from the IPC Ministry received on Sunday night, conveyed that the committee cannot form a new governing board or conduct elections.

Furthermore, sources have revealed that the potential partnership between PCB and Cricket Australia, encompassing women's and Under-19 cricket team tours, is in jeopardy. Recent discussions on various mutual projects between Zaka Ashraf and Salman Naseer, the head and COO of the PCB Management Committee respectively, during their visit to Australia may be affected by the current uncertainties surrounding the committee's authority and decision-making capabilities.