Anesh Debiky—AFP
Pakistani cricketer says he is under no pressure and is stepping down to show he accepts responsibility for World Twenty20 loss.
Mohammad Hafeez stepped down as Twenty20 captain on Thursday after the national team’s failure to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.
Pakistan went out from the Super-10 stage after a disappointing 84-run defeat against the West Indies on Tuesday, failing to reach the last four for the first time in five editions of the tournament since its inception in 2007.
Hafeez said he accepted responsibility for the early exit. “I accept all the responsibility of team’s failure,” Hafeez told reporters after a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) meeting in Lahore.
Hafeez led Pakistan to the semi-finals in the last World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka two years ago, shortly after taking over from Misbah-ul-Haq. The all-rounder, who opens both the batting and the bowling with his off-spin, said no one forced him to quit. “I am under no pressure and felt that I must step down as leader by taking responsibility, and it’s for the PCB to decide who to lead the team,” said Hafeez.
Pakistan has no assignment before their series against Australia in October when they play two Tests, three one-days and one Twenty20 in the United Arab Emirates.
The 33-year-old said he was ready to join the ranks under any captain. “I am ready to play under any captain as I have done my job with responsibility as captain as well as player,” he said.
1 comment
M . Hafeez has done the right thing by the book and tradition. Though it is the first time that any reigning Captain has stepped down . It was the natural out comre of the shameful defeat at the hands of West Indies. It looked as they were playing a club game. They showed no resistance to W.I ‘s bowlers. It was over all a poor show.
He took all the blame of the team’s failure. I personally appreciate his courage and patience against all the criticism aimed at him. He is a professional cricketer, and understand the game of cricket better than lot of the critics. We are quick to elevate and quicker to demolish our heroes. Di not forget his delightful innings against most of the teams on different occasions, He should concentrate on hisbatting and silence his critics by performance.