IN DEEP WATERS: Hafeez will need to clear the case with the PCB to confirm his flight to the UAE for Asia Cup, but he will have to wait to see if he can make it to the final XIs during the tournament. PHOTO: AFP
Hafeez, who played 50 Tests for Pakistan, clarified in a tweet that he did not make any statements regarding his demotion to category B, and said he is ready to play for the country in whichever category he’s put in.
“Regarding central contract issue, I want to yet again clear to all my fans and media people that I always played for Pakistan with highest passion, dignity and honour, surely not for money. I am happy to serve my beloved county in even C or D category, no matter what, but to play with respect,” he tweeted after news surfaced he was unhappy with his new central contract.
However, sources say PCB is not taking Hafeez’s tweet as his final word and will want him to clarify things if he wants to be a part of the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE.
Earlier, PCB chairman Najam Sethi told media that they will not be intimidated by anyone and will not make any changes to the central contracts.
Sources claim that Hafeez will be needed as a reserve opener during the Asia Cup alongside Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haq, but if the dust is not settled than the all-rounder might have to miss the tournament.
Meanwhile, if the issue is resolved, then the 37-year-old might fly to the UAE with the team, but that still doesn’t confirm his place in the final eleven.
It should be noted that during Pakistan’s recent ODI series against Zimbabwe, Hafeez warmed the bench after not being called into the playing eleven for even one match.
Imad to return for Asia Cup
Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim will be available for Asia Cup after recovering from injury and successfully representing the Jamaica Tallawahs in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League.
Imad last represented Pakistan during the October series against Sri Lanka and then incurred an injury during the February-March Pakistan Super League.
He is supposed to replace all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz in the team.
Once the apple of head coach Mickey Arthur’s eyes, Imad lost his reputation in front of the South African courtesy bad attitude and lack of commitment.
However, it is reported that management will be giving him one more chance to prove his worthiness.
Pakistan are facing a busy schedule starting from Asia Cup in September followed by Australia and New Zealand’s tour to the UAE.
After that, Pakistan will travel to South Africa for a full-fledge series including Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
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