Related Articles
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has stirred controversy by claiming that legendary all-rounder Abdul Razzaq was superior to India’s Hardik Pandya. Known for his outspoken nature, Hafeez made the statement during a discussion on the popular sports show ‘Game on Hai’, and his comments have since gone viral.
Table of content
Hafeez: “Razzaq Was a Bigger Performer Than Hardik Pandya”
Hafeez, who has often voiced strong opinions on cricketing matters, insisted that Razzaq’s impact and performances were far superior to those of Pandya, despite Pandya being a key figure in India’s recent Champions Trophy 2025 victory.
“You take out the details of Abdul Razzaq’s performances—he was on another level. He was a bigger performer, but unfortunately, he was not looked after by the system. If Razzaq had reached his full potential, he would have been unstoppable,” Hafeez remarked.
Shoaib Akhtar Supports Hafeez’s View
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar backed Hafeez’s statement, adding that Pandya is not a “genuine fast bowler” like past greats and lacks the skill set of legendary all-rounders.
“Hardik is no Malcolm Marshall, Waqar Younis, Brett Lee, or Javagal Srinath. He does what the team asks him to do, but he is not a powerful hitter like people think. The market has created this hype,” Akhtar said.
Also Check: PCB’s Controversial Decision Backfires—Forced to Reverse Massive Pay Cut!
Abdul Razzaq’s Legacy vs. Hardik Pandya’s Modern Brilliance
Razzaq, a crucial player for Pakistan in the late 90s and 2000s, was known for his ability to win games single-handedly with both bat and ball. One of his most memorable performances was his 109 off 72 balls* against South Africa in 2010, which Akhtar recalled vividly:
“He was hitting so hard that day that I thought if the ball came my way, it would go through me,” Akhtar said.
Despite their claims, Pandya has been instrumental for India, particularly in their Champions Trophy 2025 triumph. His explosive finishing and crucial overs as a seam-bowling all-rounder have cemented his place in modern cricket.
Cricket Fans Divided Over the Debate
Hafeez and Akhtar’s comments have sparked heated discussions among fans, with many debating whether Razzaq’s legacy outweighs Pandya’s impact in modern cricket. While some agree that Razzaq was underrated, others argue that Pandya’s consistency and adaptability make him one of the best all-rounders in the game today.
Who do you think is the better all-rounder—Abdul Razzaq or Hardik Pandya? Let us know in the comments!
