The deterioration of cricket in Pakistan is evident to all. The team, under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, recently exited the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 after failing to secure victories in group-stage matches against New Zealand and India. During the tournament, former Pakistani batsman Mohammad Hafeez criticized the players from the 1990s, claiming they did not succeed in winning a World Cup for the nation.

In response to this remark, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq defended the legacy of the 1990s players, asserting that their contributions to Pakistan cricket should not be disparaged. He emphasized that their accomplishments are well recognized and that such statements should not be made.

Previously, Hafeez, while speaking alongside Shoaib Malik and Shoaib Akhtar, questioned the legacy of the illustrious Pakistan team from the 1990s, highlighting the team's failures in the 1996, 1999, and 2003 World Cups.

During a media interaction in Lahore, Inzamam was prompted to address Hafeez's comments and did so candidly, criticizing the former player. 

"If we consider the players from the 90s, the strength of Pakistan cricket would diminish without them. The individuals who have achieved success post-90s are also products of that era," Inzamam stated.

"The key performers emerged from the 90s. This era has contributed significantly to our cricketing history. Such statements should not be made. I am not fully aware of what he said, but everyone recognizes the impact of the 90s cricketers on our country," he continued.

Following their 1992 World Cup victory, Pakistan had to endure a 17-year wait for another ICC title, which came when Younis Khan's team won the T20 World Cup in England. Subsequently, it took another eight years for Pakistan to claim the Champions Trophy.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram also commented on Hafeez's remarks, indicating that he preferred not to engage further despite having much to express.

'Pakistan cricket not moving in the right direction'

Pakistan recently lost by nine wickets in the first T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand. In the series opener, Pakistan was bundled out for 91. The new-look team, captained by Salman Ali Agha, failed to leave any impression.

Inzamam reckons Pakistan is not moving in the right direction, and several wrong calls are being made.

"We are not working in the right direction and making the wrong calls in many areas. I think that the cricket board now needs to learn from its mistakes and not repeat the same mistakes we have made in the last two years," said Inzamam.

"In the past two years, the performance of the Pakistan team has been declining. If we don't work in the right direction, we will continue to fall further. We need to sit down and think about where the mistakes are being made," he added.

Pakistan will now take on New Zealand in the second T20I on Tuesday, March 18.

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