Even if I have to compare what they have achieved so far, Malik would score ahead.
Hafeez is the government servant equivalent of a cricketer. He will take all actions that define a cricketer without ever achieving anything of note.
I think the way you go harsh on Hafeez (I do too), it was totally unexpected for me that you'll actually root for Malik.
The reasons we don't rate Hafeez are:
- Inability to perform against quality attacks specially outside Asia/When the ball is moving
- Mentally a bit fragile
Let's honestly assess Malik as well.
He's far worse. Both when it comes to batting and bowling. Always been someone who has occasionally performed on dead tracks against mediocre attacks (in his PRIME). Couldn't do that either for the last 6 years.
On the other hand, Hafeez is by far one of the most FREE-FLOWING batsman in the Pakistani team. When he clicks, he's a beauty to watch. His stroke-making ability is immaculate and timing almost perfect. Can accelerate without taking risks.
Malik don't have the same ability. He can't accelerate straight away, nor is a good stroke-maker like Hafeez. Struggles against pace as well, and obviously a bunny against good quality attacks.
In bowling, again Hafeez is ahead.
We can have only so much of these bits and pieces cricketers. If I had to choose one, I'll blindly go for Hafeez in LOIs. A (relatively) quality utility cricketer for LOIs.




