Hafeez's place in Pak team may be 'hanging in balance'

Lahore, June 29 (ANI): Pakistan Twenty20 skipper Mohammad Hafeez, who led the team in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, is facing an uphill task to save his place in the national side.

According to sources, while Hafeez, who was only recently named the national team's T20 skipper in place of Misbahul Haq, has been subjected to criticism because of his poor form, reports the Daily Times.

"When Misbah was banned for slow over-rate after the first Test there was some debate over whether Hafeez was in form to lead the side, but since Younus Khan was also struggling with the bat, Hafeez got the job, but he failed to impress," the sources said.

After a successful performance in 2011, Hafeez has averaged only 9.20 and scored 47 runs in five T20 games this year, while his bowling has also fetched him just three wickets at an average of 32.

Hafeez has also struggled in ODIs scoring at an average of 26 in 14 matches, including a hundred against India in the Asia Cup. In his last six ODIs he has scored just 91 runs. Even in the bowling department in ODIs, he has taken just eight wickets at average of 46.77 this year.

Pakistan's team manager, Naved Cheema, however, denied media reports of infighting in the team.

"There are no problems or infighting in the team. Just because we lost the Test does not mean such reports are true. The players are in good spirits and can fight back in the Test series," he said. (ANI)