"Surgery is on till death": Hafeez criticizes PCB chief after Pakistan's loss to Bangladesh

Former Pakistan cricket captain and director Mohammad Hafeez has criticized PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi following Pakistan's unexpected defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test of the series in Rawalpindi.

After Pakistan's historic loss, Hafeez used social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Bangladesh on their historic victory and sarcastically referenced Naqvi's earlier comments about a "surgery" for the team following the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Hafeez's post read, "Surgery continues till the end..."

Bangladesh secured their first Test win against Pakistan after 12 consecutive defeats, defeating the home side by 10 wickets.

Following the 10-wicket thrashing by Bangladesh in the Rawalpindi Test match, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his determination to rectify the cricket team’s issues.

Speaking to the media in on Monday, Naqvi stated, “I will fix the issues in Pakistan cricket, God willing.”

He reassured that things would not remain as they are and hinted at significant changes happening behind the scenes.

“Mark my words, things will not stay the same. A lot is happening in the background,” he added.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated Bangladesh on their historic win and expressed disappointment over Pakistan's performance, hoping for a comeback in the upcoming matches.

The second Test of the series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played from August 30 to September 3 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh made history by defeating Pakistan by 10 wickets in the Rawalpindi Test, with Pakistan being bowled out for just 146 runs in their second innings on the final day.

On Sunday, Spinners Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shakib Al Hasan took seven wickets between them to secure Bangladesh's maiden win over Pakistan in five-day cricket, a stunning 10-wicket victory in the first Test in Rawalpindi.

Mehidy grabbed 4-21 and Shakib 3-44 to trigger a Pakistan collapse on the fifth day, with the home side dismissed for 146 runs in 55.5 overs. That left Bangladesh a target of just 30 runs, which openers Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam reached in 6.3 overs.

Earlier in June, following a six-run defeat to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which put Pakistan at risk of not qualifying for the Super Eight stage of the tournament, Naqvi hinted at a huge overhaul in the national team.

While speaking to reporters after the match, he remarked that a “major surgery” is now necessary.

“Initially, I believed a minor surgery would suffice, but after this poor performance, it’s clear that a major overhaul is needed. The nation will soon witness substantial changes,” Naqvi had said.