Former English cricketer Michael Vaughan known for his sharp and often direct comments on social media found himself in a surprising position during the 2023 Cricket World Cup: he was criticized by former Pakistani captain Mohammad Hafeez.
The clash began when Vaughan said that the Pakistani team typically plays better after they have been involved in controversy. He was referring to the controversy of Pakistani team surrounding central contract and change in captaincy after dismal performance.
The secret to Pakistan 🇵🇰 doing well is controversy.
— Club Prairie Fire (@clubprairiefire) November 3, 2023
Let’s see 👀 how this goes tomorrow…#clubprairiefire pic.twitter.com/oNfomn1bDW
However, Mohammad Hafeez disagreed with this and pointed out that English cricketer David Willey had announced retirement because of contract problems.
Better stop peeping into other’s problem and sort out ur disputes first. We have sizeable insight about our issues and will surely resolve them. @MichaelVaughan pic.twitter.com/744fItqJsz
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) November 3, 2023
This exchange of words led to a series of sly comments between Vaughan and Hafeez.
Then, former Pakistani captain had criticized Indian batter Virat Kohli for being "selfish" when he went for a century against South Africa in a World Cup match in Kolkata.
“I am not saying Virat didn’t played well. He batted beautifully till he reached 97. The last three singles, he took, I am talking about the intent. He was looking for singles instead of hitting boundaries. Who cares if he gets out on 97 or 99. Team should always be above than personal milestone,” said Hafeez during a cricket show.
However, the Englishman responded to this.
Come on @MHafeez22 !!! India have hammered 8 teams playing great cricket .. @imVkohli now has 49 tons and his last was an anchor role innings on a tricky pitch .. His team won by over 200 !!!! This is utter nonsense .. #CWC2023 #India #Pakistan https://t.co/Foh3hhz3RE
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 7, 2023
After Ben Stokes scored his first World Cup century, Hafeez took the opportunity to reiterate his point and criticize Vaughan.
In a tweet tagging the former English cricketer, Hafeez said that Stokes' innings was the perfect example of the difference between a selfish and a selfless knock, referring to Kohli's century against South Africa.
Vaughan agreed with Hafeez about the quality of Stokes' century, but defended Kohli, saying that his century came in more difficult conditions against a tougher bowling attack.
Great innings from Stokesy @MHafeez22 .. As was Virats on a difficult pitch in Kolkata against a better attack .. 👍 https://t.co/KFpNIafgVK
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 8, 2023
A couple of hours after responding to Hafeez's post about Stokes, Vaughan posted another tweet with a picture of Kohli dismissing Hafeez in a T20 World Cup match in 2012.
Taking a shot at the former Pakistan all-rounder, Vaughan asked him if this dismissal was the reason why he always criticizes Kohli.
Today (November 9), Vaughan reposted a clip of that dismissal, tagging and mocking Hafeez.
Morning @MHafeez22 .. Have a great day 😜😜 #India #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/WtK62Lvf01
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 9, 2023
In another tweet, Vaughan seemed to mistake a fake account that was impersonating Hafeez for the real thing.
He replied to a video of Hafeez taking Vaughan's catch in an ODI match with the words: "Morning @MHafeez22.. that's actually one of my better shots in ODI cricket so thanks for showing everyone..."
Morning @MHafeez22 .. that’s actually one of my better shots in ODI cricket so thanks for showing everyone .. 👍 https://t.co/Z7UDKC461i
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 9, 2023
Pakistan will play their final group stage match of the World Cup against England on Saturday.
