LPL or Pakistan: Giving priority to national side cost Hafeez millions

Mohammad Hafeez has preferred representing Pakistan team over participating in the upcoming Lanka Premier League (LPL), which is expected to hurt the all-rounder financially.

Hafeez was picked by LPL franchise Colombo Kings to replace right-hand batsman Faf du Plessis, who will be unavailable as South Africa will be playing a home series against England. But the all-rounder will now miss the tournament after being named in the 35-member Pakistan squad for New Zealand tour.

According to sources, Hafeez was expected to earn approximately Rs.10 million from his contract at LPL. Hafeez requested the PCB to allow him to play some matches at LPL, after which he would join the national team in New Zealand. However, since it is necessary for all foreigners to spend a certain period of time in quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand, the board asked the all-rounder to choose between the LPL and the national team. After which, the 40-year old withdrew his name from the Sri Lankan competition.

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It is interesting to note that Hafeez is not a centrally contracted player of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His match fee on the recent England tour was equivalent to that of a player with a C category central contract i.e. Rs.202,950.

Hafeez also had to forego a Rs.2,500,000 contract with a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise for being part of the national side during the aforementioned England tour.

The inaugural edition of Lanka Premier League will be played from November 26 to December 16, while Pakistan’s Twenty20 International (T20I) series with New Zealand will commence from December 18.