Hafeez calls for structural shift after Lahore win
Following Pakistan’s commanding 93-run victory over South Africa in the opening Test at Gaddafi Stadium, former captain Mohammad Hafeez has reignited the conversation around the country’s cricketing priorities, urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to refocus its attention on red-ball cricket.
Writing on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Hafeez stressed the foundational importance of the longer format to Pakistan’s cricketing future.
“All formats technical & tactical issues will be resolved if we pay detail attention to red ball cricket of Pakistan.”
“PCB management should prioritise red ball cricket at all levels. Best wishes Mohsin Naqvi.”
All formats technical & tactical issues will be resolved if we pay detail attention to red ball cricket 🏏 of Pakistan 🇵🇰. PCB management should prioritise red ball cricket at all levels. Best wishes @MohsinnaqviC42
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) October 15, 2025
His comments came shortly after Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi, combined to dismiss South Africa for 183 in the second innings, successfully defending a 277-run target to take a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.
The case for red-ball development
Hafeez’s appeal resonates with long-standing concerns among cricket analysts and former players about the declining emphasis on Test cricket in Pakistan. Despite having a rich history in the format, Pakistan now plays fewer Test matches than other top-tier nations. Additionally, players who specialise in red-ball cricket often receive less financial and institutional support compared to their white-ball counterparts.
This imbalance, critics argue, has led to technical inconsistencies and mental fragility in pressure situations—issues that Hafeez believes can only be resolved by strengthening the red-ball framework from the grassroots to the national level.
The former all-rounder’s view reflects a broader belief that red-ball cricket not only nurtures technical discipline but also builds the mental resilience required to succeed in ODIs and T20Is.
Strong start to the series for Pakistan
Pakistan’s win over the reigning World Test Champions was marked by disciplined bowling and timely breakthroughs. Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi shared eight wickets between them in the second innings. Shaheen’s final spell yielded figures of 4/33, while Noman finished with 4/79, effectively dismantling the Proteas’ middle and lower order.
Dewald Brevis offered some resistance with a quick-fire 54 off 54 deliveries, and Ryan Rickelton added 41, but Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control throughout the innings. Sajid Khan also made key contributions, picking up two wickets to stifle South Africa’s lower-order hopes.
What lies ahead
With the second and final Test set to begin on October 20 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan will be aiming to seal a series win and start their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a high.
But Hafeez’s comments serve as a reminder that isolated victories, while encouraging, are not enough. His message calls for a long-term commitment to red-ball cricket as a pathway to broader success across all formats — a call the PCB leadership, particularly Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, has now been publicly urged to heed.
