Mohammad Hafeez schools Shoaib Akhtar in his face over so-called 90s Pakistani legends not winning any ICC tournament

Ex-Pakistani player Mohammad Hafeez lashed out at Shoaib Akhtar, while stating that the 90s Pakistani legends did not do anything inspiring.

Mohammad Hafeez schools Shoaib Akhtar in his face over so-called 90s Pakistani legends not winning any ICC tournament

Mohammad Hafeez lamented Shoaib Malik and his iconic 90s Pakistani side, claiming that they did not do anything inspiring. (via DAWN)

Ex-Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez lambasted Pakistani legends from the 1990s, claiming that they left nothing in terms of legacy. The 44-year-old former player questioned about it during a heated exchange with another ex-Pakistani great, Shoaib Akhtar.

The Pakistani Cricket Team has been a subject of debate, following an early exit from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. Pakistan failed to make it even past the group stage, despite having hosted an ICC tournament for the first time in almost three decades. The ‘Men in Green’ suffered two heavy defeats to India and New Zealand, leading to severe backlash from fans and several former stars.

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However, there have been many, who have come out in defense of the current Pakistan side. Ex-Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, while responding to Shoaib Akhtar‘s criticism, slammed the 1990s iconic Pakistani legends. He surprisingly questioned their legacy, and stated that the players failed to inspire the future generations. Hafeez also went on to claim that the 1990s side also failed to win an ICC trophy.

While he agreed that the 1990s generation boasted star power, he added that they did not accomplish much following Imran Khan‘s 1992 World Cup win. Hafeez, in Shoaib Akhtar’s presence, pointed to the team’s failures in the 1996, 1999 and 2003 editions. Moreover, the 44-year-old went on to note that the 2009 T20 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy triumphs are what inspired the current side.

I am a huge fan of those who played in the 1990s but when it comes to legacy, they left nothing for Pakistan. As players, they were the mega stars. But then they couldn’t inspire us by winning an ICC event.

Mohammed Hafeez to Shoaib Akhtar on Outside Edge Live (H/T FirstPost)

Shoaib Akhtar however, defended his generation by citing Pakistan’s superior head-to-head record against arch-rivals India, during his era. Nonetheless, keeping aside the off-the-field banter, it is surely time for Pakistan to improve upon their recent displays.

Pakistani legend Shoaib Akhtar backs India to win 2025 Champions Trophy

Ex-Pakistani bowler Shoaib Akhtar was full of praise for the Indian cricket team, after the Men in Blue claimed an impressive semi-final victory over Australia in the Champions Trophy. India made it to its second consecutive CT final, and will face New Zealand next.

Shoaib Akhtar backs India to win Champions Trophy
Pakistani legend Shoaib Akhtar backed India to win the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, ahead of the final.

Rohit Sharma and Co. clinched a four-wicket victory over Australia, riding high on Virat Kohli‘s brilliant knock of 84 runs. Shoaib Akhtar, on his YouTube channel, backed India to win the final, set to be played at the Dubai international stadium. He labelled the Indian side as a formidable force, and claimed that they can beat any team with four spinners.

Moreover, the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ lamented the fact that Kohli could not complete his century. It thus, remains to be seen who emerges victorious in the final, with India eyeing its second-straight ICC trophy, after the 2024 T20 World Cup.