In the face of criticism from cricket legend Javed Miandad regarding the selection of relatively young coaches for the national team, Mohammad Hafeez, appointed as the team director by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), defended the decision. 

Miandad had expressed his discontent, highlighting the importance of a significant age gap between coaches and players for fostering respect.

Speaking in Karachi, Miandad emphasized, “There should be a significant age difference between coaches and players. If there is no age gap, players will not respect the coach.” 

In response, Hafeez clarified his role, stating that he would not be taking on the position of head coach or batting coach for the upcoming Australia tour.

“As the team director of Pakistan men’s team, my responsibility is to provide strategic plans for the team. The coaching staff will then implement these plans accordingly. At present, we do not envision a role for a head coach in our plans,” Hafeez explained. 

He defended the selection of Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal as fast-bowling and spin bowling coaches, respectively, citing their recent performances for Pakistan.

Acknowledging the need to adapt to modern-day cricket, Hafeez asserted, “We have picked former cricketers in our coaching staff who have excelled for Pakistan recently. This coaching team will aid us in transitioning to a modern mindset.” 

Furthermore, Hafeez also revealed that PCB will soon announce names of Australian coaches that they have hired for the upcoming tour to Down Under.