Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has come forward to clarify his recent comments on the country’s past cricket stars, asserting that his remarks were taken out of context and fabricated by certain media houses. Hafeez’s original statement, which seemed to criticise legendary cricketers from the 1990s and early 2000s for failing to win ICC events, sparked widespread debate among cricket enthusiasts and veterans alike.
Taking to X, Hafeez addressed the controversy, saying, “Some of the media houses are fabricating the actual content. Context of discussion was all about Teams winning ICC events to inspire coming generations. Therefore I explained how the greats of game from Pakistan with all the cricket talent they have couldn’t win ICC events (post 92 WC) in 1996, 1999 & 2003. It was never a personal criticism on any of the respective player from my side.”
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The controversy arose after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded Champions Trophy, where the team failed to secure a single win in the group stage. The early exit, despite being the country’s first ICC tournament hosting in nearly three decades, has drawn severe criticism from cricket pundits and former players.
During an appearance on the OutSide Edge Live show, Hafeez commented on the lack of ICC trophies won by Pakistan’s cricketing greats from the 1990s. His remarks came during a panel discussion with former pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar, ex-batter Shoaib Malik, and former women’s cricket captain Sana Mir.
Hafeez remarked: “I am a huge fan of those who played in the 1990s, but when it comes to legacy, they left nothing for Pakistan. They didn’t win an ICC event – they lost the (World Cups of) 1996, 1999, and 2003. We reached one final (in the 1999 World Cup) and lost that badly. As stars, as players, they were the mega superstars. But then they couldn’t inspire us by winning an ICC event.”
Shoaib Akhtar, visibly displeased with the comment, retorted: “These 73 one-dayers that Pakistan won against India, it is us who won it.”
Hafeez then elaborated on his perspective, acknowledging the achievements of previous generations: “No doubt, and there has been a very strong legacy since the time of Imran Khan. There was some great cricket played during their time as well. No, you can’t cover up now, this video has been made already. You’ve already spoken about all big players.”
The remarks also drew a reaction from legendary Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis, who took to social media to respond indirectly. Posting a photo with fellow legend Wasim Akram, Waqar wrote: “90’s KA LONDA.”
He also highlighted their combined Test and ODI appearances and the number of wickets they took, subtly defending the legacy of the ’90s cricket legends.
Hafeez’s clarification on X aims to ease tensions among fans and former players alike, emphasising that his intent was not to undermine the efforts or legacies of Pakistan’s cricket greats but rather to discuss the impact of winning ICC events on inspiring future generations.
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