Mohammad Hafeez and Rashid Latif criticize 90’s Pakistani stars after Pakistan early exit from Champions Trophy 2025.
An awkward incident unfolded on live television between former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez and fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar during a discussion on PTV Sports. Hafeez criticized players from the 90s and early 2000s, questioning their legacy. He argued that these players failed to inspire the next generation because they didn’t win many ICC events during their careers.
Shoaib Akhtar, who played alongside many of these legends, appeared upset as Hafeez made his remarks. The tension grew as Hafeez and Latif criticize 90’s stars and the conversation continued. Akhtar defended the players from that era, saying their performances, particularly against India, helped Pakistan maintain a strong record in ODI cricket.
The conversation took another turn when former captain Rashid Latif joined in, criticizing cricket legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Latif pointed out that the 90s players had prevented Pakistan cricket from growing. He argued that these players should step away from the sport now to allow the team to move forward. He even called Akram and Waqar “Dubai ke launde,” a term implying they had distanced themselves from Pakistan by staying in the UAE for their broadcasting jobs.
In response, Waqar Younis posted a tweet showcasing his and Akram’s combined records. The post seemed to be a direct reply to Hafeez’s comments, with Waqar referring to the “boys from the 1990s” in a pointed tone.
Hafeez, however, emphasized the importance of ICC titles in inspiring the next generation. He highlighted Pakistan’s wins in the 2009 T20 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy as key moments of inspiration for modern players like Babar Azam. Mohammad Hafeez and Rashid Latif criticize 90’s Pakistani stars after Pakistan early exit from Champions Trophy 2025
The situation became even more lively when Shoaib Malik and Sana Mir, former cricketers, attempted to ease the tension. Despite the heated exchange, Akhtar added that Pakistan’s success against India in ODIs was largely due to the efforts of players from the 90s, especially in the first 73 matches Pakistan won.
While Hafeez praised the teams that won in 2009 and 2017, he made it clear that players from the 1990s, despite their talents, didn’t win enough major ICC events to inspire the current generation. He also explained that players like Babar Azam were idolized because of the success achieved in those later tournaments.
Hafeez did great job.
May be or may be not. 🙃