Pakistan team has no 'winning formula': Mohammad Hafeez

"We won the Test mace and became the top-ranked team with a solid formula in UAE, but that's been missing in Pakistan"

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has expressed concerns over the national team's inability to secure victories in home Test matches, citing the lack of a 'winning formula.'

Pakistan’s last home Test win came in February 2021, and they have struggled since, including a recent 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh.

Speaking to a local news channel, Hafeez praised Bangladesh's approach.

"At the international level, you cannot consider anyone weak. Bangladesh deserved to win due to their positive mindset, body language, and strong management,” he said.

Hafeez noted that Pakistan had a successful formula during their time playing in the UAE, which was their adopted home for cricket due to security concerns.

However, he lamented that since cricket returned to Pakistan, the team has been unable to replicate that success.

"We won the Test mace and became the top-ranked team with a solid formula in the UAE, but that has been missing in Pakistan," Hafeez added.

He also highlighted the differences in infrastructure and playing conditions between Pakistan and the UAE, pointing out that Pakistan has failed to make home advantage count as other nations do.

Pakistan is set to host England for a three-match Test series starting October 7th in Multan, a crucial opportunity for the team to rediscover their winning ways.

Babar Azam resigns as captain of Pakistan cricket team

Babar Azam announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down as captain of the Pakistan cricket team.

In a post on X, Azam revealed that he had informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management of his decision last month.

The star batsman cited a desire to focus more on his playing role and personal growth as the reasons for stepping down from the white-ball captaincy.

Dear Fans,

I'm sharing some news with you today. I have decided to resign as captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team, effective as of my notification to the PCB and Team Management last month.

It's been an honour to lead this team, but it's time for me to step down and focus…

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) October 1, 2024

The PCB had reappointed Azam as captain for T20Is and ODIs on March 31. Previously, he had ended his long tenure as skipper in November 2023, stepping down from the role.