World Twenty20: ‘Deprived’ Razzaq rips into Hafeez after snub
Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq expressed disappointment on being dropped for the semi-final against Sri Lanka by blasting captain Mohammad Hafeez for the ‘illogical’ decision prior to the knockout match.
Razzaq was dropped after a 17-ball 22 against Australia to make way for Sohail Tanvir in the playing-XI.
“Obviously, I was extremely disappointed,” Razzaq told Dunya News. “I wanted to perform for Pakistan and there couldn’t have been a better opportunity than the semi-final of such a big event. The decision was Hafeez’s.
"It was only him who decided to replace me with Tanvir. I fail to understand the logic behind the move and it is something only Hafeez can explain. Even Wasim Akram, who is the best cricketer ever, advised Hafeez to keep me in the team against Sri Lanka but he chose not to listen to the expert.
“I don’t understand why but he probably thinks he’s better and knows more than the legend of the game. My performances had been impressive but despite that Hafeez never took any of that into consideration and dropped me. The captain is supposed to take decisions that are in the best interest of the team but Hafeez chose to defy all logics and opted to drop me for the match. It was a disgraceful decision.”
Razzad added that members of the Sri Lanka team were relieved to see his name crossed out from the team-sheet.
“I talked to a couple of Sri Lankan players and they said that they feared my presence in the team. They were ecstatic when they heard about my exclusion.
"Watching from the sidelines, I thought it was an ideal situation for a batsman like me. I am confident I could have won the match for Pakistan if I was playing. I don’t know what Hafeez’s agenda was. If he thinks he is an expert of the game, he should be asked to justify the decision of dropping me because only he would know the logic behind it.”
On being asked about his future with the Pakistan cricket team, Razzaq said, “I am still physically fit. My fitness has never been a problem. I hope to continue playing for Pakistan for at least another two to three years.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2012.
COMMENTS (17)
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Razzaq should have been in the team.. I don’t know if Hafeez is a good captain or not, but if he decided to drop Razzaq, his judgement or ‘agenda’ should be questioned. Razzaq’s calm demeanor and presence could have proved crucial in the otherwise always panicky Pakistani team. Correct !
In response to the story Twenty20 series: Happy with the way players are responding, says Hafeez of Sep 9, 2012 I commented "Hafeez made the most intelligent move by giving Abdul Razak the last over. If Abdul Razak delivers then it is his brilliant captaincy (as we are all witnessing now). If Australia scores then Abdul Razak gets the blame......It was a facade of intelligence which was sold to the country and a good number bought it because of good marketing (terms like professor or intelligent player etc were used to describe him) Hafeez is a good all rounder at best. No intelligent player would ever think of playing the shot which he played and got out against India in the world Cup semi final. Most of you may not remember but then it is not our fault. Short term memory disease runs in the nation, At least no one can tell me that it is easy kick someone when he is down. Well I criticized him when he was on top and disclosed his intention towards Razak, For my full comments use the below link
http://tribune.com.pk/story/433622/twenty20-series-happy-with-the-way-players-are-responding-says-hafeez/
Razzaq should have been in the team.. I don't know if Hafeez is a good captain or not, but if he decided to drop Razzaq, his judgement or 'agenda' should be questioned. Razzaq's calm demeanor and presence could have proved crucial in the otherwise always panicky Pakistani team.
Mahela Jayabwardne include Herath and he proved him against Pakistan and Hafeez proved him foolish to cut Razzaq against one of his best opposition. Hay pakistan_when will you Play for ur motherland
Yes, I agreed with you.:
Yes, indeed Mohammed Hafeez sink Pakistan for not picking up Abdul Razzak. The team management should immediately dismiss him as captain.
What a country is Pakistan! A player like Razzaq would be playing as captain in other teams, and here he is dropped in favor of Shoaib Malik, Hafeez, Sohail Tanvir, and Imran Nazir.
Hafeez is a selfish captain like so many before him. His decision to leave out Razzaq was one of the reasons Pakistan lost the semi-final. But I also believe that it's a game and our team reaching the semi-final was a big achievement in itself, other very strong teams like SA and India didn't make it to the semi-finals.
Sour grapes.
if Pakistan cricket team is professional sports tam, Razzaq should be banned for life. The language he used to speak about Hafeez was offensive and crass. And this is not the first time Razzaq has thrown such public tantrums. He did the same when Malik was captain.
Razzaq's time is up. But the PCB should still take disciplinary action against these out of control unprofessional prima donnas,
@Green Oval:
The seniors haven't been helping by performing to such a low standard. Afridi, K.Akaml, Malik, Razzaq, Tanvir and even Gul all are holding our team back from success unlike our young ones who are actually very good. With a population of 180 Million people I'm sure we can easily find three young batsmen to replace Afridi, Akmal and Malik who cost us the T20 world cup this time around.
This is highly irresponsible of Razzaq to say this, blame it on Captain. Had Pakistan won, this wouldn't have been a matter. Didn't Pakistan win a few matches without Razzaq?
A team should be formed in a way that every player is indispensable. Going to the media behing your captain/team's back is highly irresponsible.
Overall, Razzaq's record is far better than Hafeez. Razzaq has won more matches than Hafeez. Hafeez averaging over 24 in ODIs make everyone laugh on being captain.
Hafeez’s agenda was similar to the agenda of "Salman But"!!!
Razak Sahib indeed I am a fan of you but it is not fair. I totally support Hafeez here.
Hafeez is a disgrace. His agenda is very clear to get rid of the seniors so he can have his kingdom of my way or highway. It's a shame that a bits and pieces player is not just playing for Pakistan but leading it or rather misleading it.