Wasim reveals reason behind Hafeez’s omission for South Africa T20Is

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is not part of the Pakistan squad for the T20I series against South Africa.

Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim announced the Pakistan squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa on Sunday.

Speaking about Hafeez’s omission from the squad, Wasim said: “Hafeez is in prolific form and he would have been part of the squad if he was available. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to join the bio-bubble [due to participation in T10 League] by February 3 which is why we have not considered him for the series. Following the Covid-19 protocols is mandatory for everyone involved.”  

“Asif Ali is also playing T10 League but he has agreed to join the bubble by February 3,” he added.

Hafeez is one of Pakistan’s top performers in the format during the recent past. In 2020, the 40-year-old scored 415 runs across 8 T20I innings; the most runs by any batsman in T20Is this year, with four fifties at an average of 83 and a strike rate of 152.57.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be the venue of the three T20Is, which are scheduled for February 11, 13 and 14.