Shoaib Akhtar Defends 90s Legends After Mohammad Hafeez’s Controversial Remarks
Cricket fans witnessed a fiery exchange between former teammates as Shoaib Akhtar hit back at Mohammad Hafeez for questioning the legacy of Pakistan’s legendary cricketers from the 1990s.
What Sparked the Controversy?
In a viral PSL 2025 post-match show clip, Hafeez claimed that players from the 90s “left no legacy,” pointing out that despite their individual brilliance, they failed to win ICC trophies.
Shoaib Akhtar, known for his no-holds-barred opinions, was quick to defend the era’s icons like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis:
“That guy [Hafeez] is telling Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, ‘Sir, you left no legacy.’ What’s your legacy?”
Akhtar emphasized Pakistan’s dominance in ODIs against India during the 90s and the inspirational aura of the players.
Hafeez Clarifies His Position
Facing backlash from fans and former cricketers alike, Hafeez took to social media to clear the air:
“I am a big admirer of the cricketers from the 1990s… but when we talk about their legacy, they didn’t bring home an ICC trophy.”
He acknowledged their status as megastars, but pointed out that Pakistan’s only major ICC title post-1992 came under Younis Khan’s leadership in 2009.
Hafeez added that his remarks were misinterpreted and were aimed at team achievements, not individual criticism.
Fan Reactions and Media Buzz
The cricketing community remains divided:
-
Supporters of Akhtar view Hafeez’s remarks as disrespectful.
-
Hafeez’s defenders argue that he merely highlighted the importance of collective success in international cricket.
Media outlets and analysts have since jumped into the debate, fueling further discussions on Pakistan’s cricketing legacy.
Final Thoughts
While Shoaib Akhtar’s emotional defense of his teammates struck a chord with many, Hafeez’s remarks bring to light the longstanding debate in Pakistani cricket — the balance between individual greatness and team accomplishments.
Only time will tell if this exchange leads to introspection or widens the rift between generations of cricketers.
