Hafeez reveals Shaheen was hesitant to talk to Babar, Rizwan about opening split

Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has shed light on the decisions surrounding the team's composition and roles, emphasizing that all his actions were aimed at benefiting Pakistan cricket.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Hafeez clarified his stance, asserting that any changes he made were not based on personal whims but rather on what he believed was best for the team. 

"I didn't change anyone’s position just because of my own thought, I thought for Pakistan. My plan was all for Pakistan that what is better for the team, so I did that," Hafeez said.

Hafeez highlighted a specific instance where he intervened to facilitate communication between then captain, Shaheen Afridi, and Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in order to split their opening pair.

"Even I spoke to the captain [Shaheen], captain was reluctant to talk to Babar and Rizwan and I took that responsibility. I went to talk to them. And I had no problem with it because what I did was for Pakistan," he further added.

Furthermore, Hafeez reiterated his stance on team dynamics and performance, emphasizing the need for the best results for the Pakistan cricket team.

"And if someone feels that addressing all these issues and Pakistan performing well can be achieved by having Babar and Rizwan as openers, or if they can assign some other role to Saim Ayub or whoever the other cricketers are, then I have no issue. We want the best results for the Pakistan cricket team and all players should be given equal opportunities," he concluded.