Mohammad Hafeez likely to be ready for World Cup 2019 fitness test [Update Post #65]

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">AB de Villiers has confirmed that Mohammad Hafeez has been ruled out of PSL4 due to the hand injury he suffered yesterday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL4?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL4</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1097157599282323461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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[Major]

huge blow for LQ.

Hafeez is one of the best captains, and was needed in LQ. THe reason why Lq got him was because of his captaincy skills which are great

Looks like bad luck follows LQ and Fawad Rana )

 

[Darkrai]

AB leading LQ sounds interesting, i like it.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Saif Badar ko pick kero Lahore Qalandars.

 

[Savak]

Is ABD available for the entire tournament?

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Good for haris n agha

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Is ABD available for the entire tournament?

He said he will go to pakistan

 

[MMHS]

Some how, luck is favoring Umar Akmal!!!! If it's a fracture, don't think Hafeez will be fit for AUS series and Umar might get his chances at No. 4.

ANy way, best wishes for Hafeez, for a quick recovery - never wished any injury to anyone.

 

[maddgenius]

Sohaib Maqsood got a fractured finger too. [MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] Any official word about him whether he's out of PSL or not?

 

[Rayyman]

Damn feel bad for Hafeez he missed the last WC too.

But this is Haris' chance. Hope he can nail it down.

 

[Markhor]

Some how, luck is favoring Umar Akmal!!!! If it's a fracture, don't think Hafeez will be fit for AUS series and Umar might get his chances at No. 4.

ANy way, best wishes for Hafeez, for a quick recovery - never wished any injury to anyone.

Haris had secured a spot at 4 during the NZ series in UAE before his injury. Most likely he slots back in.

 

[Darkrai]

Hopefully there won't be anymore injuries.

 

[Madplayer]

Some how, luck is favoring Umar Akmal!!!! If it's a fracture, don't think Hafeez will be fit for AUS series and Umar might get his chances at No. 4.

ANy way, best wishes for Hafeez, for a quick recovery - never wished any injury to anyone.

You think a player like Hafeez who has a strong lobby will not be selected for what is supposed to be his last world cup? Dont you know how things work in Pakistan cricket

 

[pakistani pride]

huge blow for LQ.

Hafeez is one of the best captains, and was needed in LQ. THe reason why Lq got him was because of his captaincy skills which are great

Looks like bad luck follows LQ and Fawad Rana )

Really the same Hafeez that did not bowl Rauf at the death vs IBD UTD but instead went with Yasir and Braithwate at the death?

That was such a huge blunder.

 

[Saj]

LQ say they are looking at possible replacements.

 

[Saj]

Sohaib Maqsood got a fractured finger too. [MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] Any official word about him whether he's out of PSL or not?

Well I've seen a picture where he said that he is out of PSL but PZ have not confirmed this.

 

[mak36]

LQ say they are looking at possible replacements.

They need to find a replacement who can shore up their middle order. If Haris is fully fit, I'm puzzled by their reluctance to play him. The issue is worsened by the fact none of their bowlers can bat. Even at full strength, it's a long tail:

1. Fakhar Zaman
2. Sohail Akhtar
3. AB (F)
4. Haris
5. Devcich (F)
6. Corey Anderson (F)
7. Umair Masood (E)
8. Rahat Ali
9. Haris Rauf
10. SSA
11. Sandeep (F)

They might need to drop Sohail, play Devcich as opener and then add Agha/Saad to the middle order. Interested to see who the replacement might be.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Big blow for LQ. Hafeez was a key player for them. Possibly the most important player along with AB. But they should take this opportunity to give Haris Sohail and Saad Ali ample chances in the top order.

In the case that Lahore somehow reach the final, I'm guessing Fakhar Zaman will lead them.

 

[mon858]

Anyone suggested Zeeshan Malik?

 

[SensiblePakFan]

huge blow for LQ.

Hafeez is one of the best captains, and was needed in LQ. THe reason why Lq got him was because of his captaincy skills which are great

Looks like bad luck follows LQ and Fawad Rana )

Yup.
Another waste of a season.

 

[FastBowlingAllrounder]

Is ABD available for the entire tournament?

Yes but I think he will be leaving after the group stages.

 

[Abdullah719]

Lahore Qalandars Press Release

18th February
Dubai:

The management of Lahore Qalandars today confirm that team’s captain Mohammad Hafeez has been ruled out of remainder of PSL.

Hafeez was injured during Qalandars’ game against Karachi Kings on Saturday.

Tests revealed that his thumb was fractured and he needs a surgery. Subsequently, he will be out of action for 4 to 6 weeks.

Hafeez is being released from the Qalandars squad and a replacement will be sought to cover his place.

“This is extremely disappointing for us that Hafeez has been injured and won’t be available to Qalandars for the tournament. We wish him quick recovery and back in action soon,” said Sameen Rana, the manager of Lahore Qalandars.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Pakistan should draft in some new players for the Aussie ODI series and test them out now hafeez is on the shelf.

 

[Abdullah719]

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mohammad Hafeez has had a second operation on his thumb in England and has been asked to rest for a period of two weeks. He's confident that he will be fit for the World Cup <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1111261456694157312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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[Salman]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mohammad Hafeez has had a second operation on his thumb in England and has been asked to rest for a period of two weeks. He's confident that he will be fit for the World Cup <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1111261456694157312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Wish him a speedy recovery, by far the best all rounder we have produced in the last 10 years!

 

[Pete Rose]

Will be traveling to the uk with a busted hand and will be leaving middle of tournament once discovered.

 

[Abdullah719]

Presumably he won't be able to take the fitness test in ~2 weeks time. So what's the protocol in such cases?

 

[Farhan93]

It's a big blow, we needed him to stay in touch before WC. Was hitting the ball so cleanly, the time away from cricket could ruin his form and the touch he was in.

 

[TeymurBlake]

God I hope they consider him for the World Cup man. Please don't

 

[GreenKhan]

I wish him a speedy recvoery but Hafeez will not be a big loss to Pakistan. His record in ICC tournements for Pakistan in both T20 and 50 overs is very mediocre.

50 over world cup- Averages 27 in 10 Matches- With 1 50.
Champions Trophy- He averages 28 in 11 Matches- 1 50 (against india in the final).

On top of that he averages 27 in England after playing 26 Matches!!

Hafeez is given to much credit due to his experience but he 9 out of times will fail to deliver in big tournaments as his record suggests. Both him and Malik will hurt Pakistan if they are in the starting 11.

Hafeez will not be missed.

 

[Savak]

Whats the point in taking an undercooked player to the WC?

 

[a_tahir]

Presumably he won't be able to take the fitness test in ~2 weeks time. So what's the protocol in such cases?

"Pakistan Head Coach Mickey Arthur has already stated that the fitness tests for World Cup squad will be taken on April 14 and it seems unlikely that Hafeez will be able to appear for the test. It must be noted that stepping out on the field is a difficult task, straight after starting rehabilitation process."

 

[a_tahir]

Whats the point in taking an undercooked player to the WC?

eXpErIeNcE

 

[a_tahir]

"Pakistan Head Coach Mickey Arthur has already stated that the fitness tests for World Cup squad will be taken on April 14 and it seems unlikely that Hafeez will be able to appear for the test. It must be noted that stepping out on the field is a difficult task, straight after starting rehabilitation process."

This report also says that if hafeez isn't ready then Umar Akmal will take his place.

 

[Abdullah719]

Mohammad Hafeez’s World Cup selection in danger

Pakistan‘s experienced all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez could find himself out of the upcoming World Cup after he underwent a follow-up surgery on his fractured thumb in Manchester earlier this week.

The 38-year-old Hafeez has been told to rest for two weeks before he can resume training of any sort.

The problem facing the senior player is that the national team head coach Mickey Arthur has set April 14 as the deadline for the players to undergo their final fitness tests before considering for World Cup selection.

The Pakistan squad is also due to leave early for England — around April 24 — to play practice games, a five-match ODI series against England and two warm-up matches against Bangladesh and Afghanistan before the World Cup kicks off on May 30.

“Hafeez had to go for the second surgery as the fracture in his left thumb had not healed properly and the surgeon Mike Hayton had advised him for a follow-up procedure,” one source close to the former skipper said.

An official in the Pakistan Cricket Board said if the head coach and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq wanted, they could allow Hafeez to recover completely and take his fitness test later on after the deadline for all the players.

“There is still plenty of time before the World Cup begins, so it all depends on how Arthur and Inzi handle the issue. If they feel Hafeez’s selection is important for the team’s chances in the World Cup, then most probably they will give him ample time to recover from his injury,” he said.

The official said it would be difficult for Hafeez to be 100 per cent fit when the fitness tests are conducted on April 14 in Lahore.

Inzamam has said that Hafeez would be a key player for Pakistan in the World Cup.

Hafeez fractured his right thumb while attempting a catch of his own bowling in his second match of the Pakistan Super League in which he was captaining the Lahore franchise. Scans later revealed a fracture and the need for surgery.

Hafeez, who has retired from Test cricket after 55 matches, has already appeared in 208 ODIs and 89 T20 Internationals.

https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/mohammad-hafeezs-world-cup-selection-in-danger-820865

 

[Abdullah719]

This report also says that if hafeez isn't ready then Umar Akmal will take his place.

As if he'll just walk up and pass the fitness test...

 

[Snowflake]

Hafeez is needed at the WC. They'll definitely allow him to take the test at a later stage. That being said, I'm not sure how much match practice he'll get before the WC.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

IA he makes a recovery and comes back, he is a very useful player.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Inshallah he'll get better. It would be extremely unlucky to miss 2 WC in a row.
We need his bowling.

 

[Snowflake]

This report also says that if hafeez isn't ready then Umar Akmal will take his place.

Umar Akmal should go to the WC with or without Hafeez.

 

[pakistani pride]

TBF Hafeez is not needed. Both Hafeez and Malik should NOT be on the plane to the UK.

They both have terrible records in the UK.

 

[The Viper]

Honestly for team balance, he is a must if he is fit. He plays aggressively and thats refreshing when there are too much accumulators in the lineup.

 

[Mirpur express]

still better then Akmal & the current Malik (who should out of the 11) am not a professor fan but ,since this Aussie series was wasted with blizzare selection Saud & Saad should’ve played the 5 games , now Hafeez will go to W/C as them 2 poor guys didn’t get the chance & will watch from home instead

 

[TeymurBlake]

God I hope they consider him for the World Cup man. Please don't

*don't consider

 

[Chokli]

Our best batsman after Babar, hopefully he's fit for the World Cup

 

[a_tahir]

Our best batsman after Babar, hopefully he's fit for the World Cup

U can't be serious?
Imam is the best after Babar. The only reason hafeez scores runs (that too after 5 matches) is because he bats so low. The ball is old and hence it is easier to bat.

 

[a_tahir]

As if he'll just walk up and pass the fitness test...

That's the reason why they might postpone his fitness test

 

[SensiblePakFan]

U can't be serious?
Imam is the best after Babar. The only reason hafeez scores runs (that too after 5 matches) is because he bats so low. The ball is old and hence it is easier to bat.

We dont have a 'best' batsmen after Babar

 

[Chokli]

We dont have a 'best' batsmen after Babar

We do and it's HafeeZ.

 

[Chokli]

U can't be serious?
Imam is the best after Babar. The only reason hafeez scores runs (that too after 5 matches) is because he bats so low. The ball is old and hence it is easier to bat.

? What's your point? He's a middle order batsman, of course he's going to bat low. That's what his strong point is.

 

[gazza619]

When is professor returning? Our saviour (never thought i would be saying this)

 

[a_tahir]

? What's your point? He's a middle order batsman, of course he's going to bat low. That's what his strong point is.

My point is that his record suggests otherwise. In 2018 he averaged 28 with one not out and with a strike rate of 77. That's not good stats for a middle order batsman. At least imam averages something decent with a similar strike rate.

 

[Chokli]

My point is that his record suggests otherwise. In 2018 he averaged 28 with one not out and with a strike rate of 77. That's not good stats for a middle order batsman. At least imam averages something decent with a similar strike rate.

Imam's averages are inflated from the Zimbabwe series. Also Hafeez missed out on that as well as the Asia Cup.

Hafeez is a match winner. If you followed Pakistan Cricket the past few months you'd know.

 

[Hasan123]

If he doesn't play at the WC, he will play on for another few years. He isn't as important as people think. Most posters want him selected for his CT knock which is a tad overrated on this forum.

Fakhar and Azhar did the hard work.

 

[a_tahir]

Imam's averages are inflated from the Zimbabwe series. Also Hafeez missed out on that as well as the Asia Cup.

Hafeez is a match winner. If you followed Pakistan Cricket the past few months you'd know.

I was highlighting the SA series.

 

[hitthestump]

The next two ODI's against Aus will decide whether professor gets into the squad or not. If Shan and/or Umar fail then Hafeez becomes a default selection.

 

[Chokli]

If he doesn't play at the WC, he will play on for another few years. He isn't as important as people think. Most posters want him selected for his CT knock which is a tad overrated on this forum.

Fakhar and Azhar did the hard work.

That's one dumb way of justifying your argument.

 

[a_tahir]

The next two ODI's against Aus will decide whether professor gets into the squad or not. If Shan and/or Umar fail then Hafeez becomes a default selection.

If Hafeez is fit he'll play no matter what.

 

[Maliq_Mudasir]

Hafeez is much better player on his day than anyone else in the team. He also has better insights if the game as compared to Malik.

 

[ads101]

He might make the team on merit, but not sure it's wise taking a perhaps injured, lack of practice player to the WC. Though haven't been impressed by Umar Akmal or Malik and would much rather have Hafeez at 6. Plus we are finding it difficult to include Haris, and Haris is likely making way for Hafeez if he returns as I doubt Malik is being dropped (even though he really should be at this point).

We desperately need someone down the order that has the ability to hit boundaries cleanly like Hafeez does on song though. At this late stage, I'd probably go with Asif Ali and be done with it. Either way we're taking a risk, I'd rather go with another player with the ability of hitting at full fitness (which probably rules umar akmal out too).

 

[ask_analyse_act]

The next two ODI's against Aus will decide whether professor gets into the squad or not. If Shan and/or Umar fail then Hafeez becomes a default selection.

Umar will fail for sure. Shan might have a 50 or two even then too me hafeez becomes an auto selection for me now as no one else looks promising. Lately Hafeez has increased his SR also in batting, there is still more than 60 days left for Pakistan’s first match of the CWC.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

Umar Akmal should go to the WC with or without Hafeez.

We don't need both umar and hafeez we need haris

 

[Hasan123]

That's one dumb way of justifying your argument.

It wasn't a special knock. People only want him in the middle order because they think he can play that knock consistently.

 

[Abdullah719]

Hafeez likely to be ready for World Cup 2019 fitness test

Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is likely to be ready for the fitness tests, ahead of International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2019 in England and Wales.

According to Daily Express, Hafeez is strictly following the rehabilitation plan in order to recover from thumb injury; he suffered during HBL Pakistan Super League season four.

Although Hafeez is yet to begin gym work and running but it is quite likely that he will be part of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s scheduled fitness tests of 23-man probables squad, for World Cup 2019, on April 15 and 16 at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

The 38-year-old’s fitness test can also been taken on Pakistan team’s arrival in England, if he is not fit for next week’s tests.

The all-rounder got injured after a powerful shot from Karachi Kings batsman Colin Ingram struck him on his thumb. He underwent surgery, twice, in England and was asked to rest for a period of two weeks, after his second operation, before beginning training once again.

Sources have also stated that selection committee, headed by Chief Selector Inzamamul Haq, believe that Hafeez can prove to be a valuable addition to the squad bearing in mind conditions in England and his experience.

The selection committee will announce the squad for the World Cup 2019 on April 18 in Lahore.

The Pakistan cricket team will depart for England on April 23, where they will play England in a series of practice and international matches, before beginning their World Cup 2019 campaign against the Windies on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/n...-to-be-ready-for-world-cup-2019-fitness-tests

 

[Markhor]

Hope he is fit as we need him to bat at 6.

 

[Majid Khan]

Hope he is fit as we need him to bat at 6.

Yes agree, Hafeez is the one of those few proven match winners who you need to bring back into the team for a big tournament regardless of form or fitness - like Imran in 92, even if he has to play with pain relief injections, even if he doesn’t do anything with bat or ball, it doesn’t matter because half the battle is won purely by the fear the opposition has when Hafeez is in the team.

Top player, no doubt.

 

[GreenKhan]

I really do not understand the emphasis on Hafeez and his experience. He will not be a loss to us if he cant make it in time.

Here is why:

He averages 28 in England at a SR of 68 with only 3 50s in 22 matches.

ICC Tournaments- IN 21 matches including the World Cup and CT he has 2 50s, and averages 26!!

Those stats for a 38 year old with over 200 One dayers to his name are mediocre to stay the least. Hafeez is a serial choker and his record in big tournaments suggests that. His one innings in the CT final (no doubt brilliant) do not hide away from the fact that he usually goes missing when the chips are down.

I have no problem with Hafeez but he has always been a mediocre player who usually does enough just to keep his place in the team.

He can bat at 6 and be given license but he is not better than haris sohail who deserves to be in the starting 11 instead of Malik (an even bigger liability than Hafeez in England) or Hafeez.

 

[shahidbhai]

I really do not understand the emphasis on Hafeez and his experience. He will not be a loss to us if he cant make it in time.

Here is why:

He averages 28 in England at a SR of 68 with only 3 50s in 22 matches.

ICC Tournaments- IN 21 matches including the World Cup and CT he has 2 50s, and averages 26!!

Those stats for a 38 year old with over 200 One dayers to his name are mediocre to stay the least. Hafeez is a serial choker and his record in big tournaments suggests that. His one innings in the CT final (no doubt brilliant) do not hide away from the fact that he usually goes missing when the chips are down.

I have no problem with Hafeez but he has always been a mediocre player who usually does enough just to keep his place in the team.

He can bat at 6 and be given license but he is not better than haris sohail who deserves to be in the starting 11 instead of Malik (an even bigger liability than Hafeez in England) or Hafeez.

My team would have both, Haris and Hafeez, he gives you another bowling option and can play the hitter role, the guy is a veteran of the game and has batted in numerous pressure situations which the world cup is all about, he also plays spin really well. I dont think we have a suitable number 6 anyways that is being sidelined cuz of hafeez, the only one losing out here would be Malik for Haris, and say hafeez doesnt perform, its a straight swap for Malik.

Having said that my playing 11 :

1.Fakhr Zaman
2.Imam ul Haq
3.Babar Azam
4.Haris Sohail
5.Sarfraz Ahmed
6.Mohammad Hafeez
7.Imad Wasim/Faheem Ashraf (depending on wicket)
8.Shadab Khan
9.Hasan Ali
10.Mohammad Amir
11.Shaheen Afridi

 

[moghul]

Not a good news, unfortunately he is Inzi's friend and Inzi takes care of friends and family very well. We all know if ball is moving, he won;t go to double figure in any match.

 

[harasraja]

Good news, he ll be needed as a allrounder in the world cup.

Hafeez with imad ll make up for the 10 over quota in the middle overs, maybe haris sohail can bowl a couple of overs too.

So hafeez is a must till the world cup. In my opinion khushdil shah should be on the bench too, because he seems to be the next candidate in line for that no 5 role.

 

[MMHS]

It could end like 2019 .... first Hafeez was banned from bowling, yet PCB was ready to take him as specialist bat despite having a career stats of 25/69 in 14 games in ANZ at that point .... then he got injured and still they carried him to AUS as a last minute possibility. Since his return after Asia Cup, I don't think he has full fit for a single game, yet they kept carrying him at this age .... now after 3 months injury break, they are willing to risk a player of that age for a WC in UK, where 9 certain games are scheduled in 35 days!!!!

 

[saeed5646]

Excellent news. Miles better than umar akmal and asif at 6 +his bowling is also vital if imad don't make it to worldcup

 

[shahidbhai]

Not a good news, unfortunately he is Inzi's friend and Inzi takes care of friends and family very well. We all know if ball is moving, he won;t go to double figure in any match.

i really doubt the ball will be moving when he comes to bat at 6

 

[CricFan2012]

He will definitely start chucking again during the World Cup because he's retiring anyways, hope Umpires grow a spine and call the dead balls and prevent him from doing so

 

[Pete Rose]

1- probably will travel unfit and that will come our during the tour
2 - will chuck in the big games now that he is retiring.

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Our only middle order batsman who can hit big boundaries in the middle overs.

 

[Chokli]

It could end like 2019 .... first Hafeez was banned from bowling, yet PCB was ready to take him as specialist bat despite having a career stats of 25/69 in 14 games in ANZ at that point .... then he got injured and still they carried him to AUS as a last minute possibility. Since his return after Asia Cup, I don't think he has full fit for a single game, yet they kept carrying him at this age .... now after 3 months injury break, they are willing to risk a player of that age for a WC in UK, where 9 certain games are scheduled in 35 days!!!!

Hafeez is a gun player and is needed for this side.

 

[adzzy786]

He was playing the ball so cleanly just before he got injured. Besides the last time he played in England v India in the final he played a
Innings which helped us win the Champions trophy had he not fired we may not have won. He helped us over the line.

 

[hitthestump]

Hope he is fit as we need him to bat at 6.

We don't 'need' him anywhere. He is simply going to have to play by default.

If we're pinning our hopes on a 37 year old TTF at such a crucial spot Pak have no chance in the WC anyway.