The following is a interview conducted of Pakistan all-rounder, Mohammad Hafeez, at the conclusion of his Caribbean Premier League campaign. Playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors in 7 matches, Hafeez scored 159 runs at an average of 26.50 and took 5 wickets at 34.00. He left the tournament with a bang by scoring 50* off 23 balls, including a six and a four with 7 runs needed off 2 balls to win.

Caribbean Premier League: Hafeez, you must be absolutely delighted with how things must've gone for you. Have you ever hit it better than that?

Mohammad Hafeez: Well, first of all, I'd like to thank All-mighty Allah. I'd like to think it's because of the belief we have in each other as a team. Anyone can do this and today was my day. I tried everything and it worked for me. I'm really happy to leave my team on a happy note and I wish them the very best of luck for the semi-finals. I will miss it but all my wishes are with my team and I hope they win the trophy.


Caribbean Premier League: How much have you enjoyed your time over here? What were your expectations before coming here and have they been fulfilled?

Mohammad Hafeez: Well to be honest, I knew that this event was going to be a success. The crowd here is very passionate about their cricket and their response was excellent throughout the tournament. I personally believe that when people are invested in their cricket, tournaments have more success. I wish them the very best of luck. The broadcasting was good, the players were good and I hope it gets better and better over the years.


Caribbean Premier League: You were here with Pakistan before the CPL. How much of an advantage was that for you knowing the conditions before the tournament?

Mohammad Hafeez: Well it's definitely a help but I've been here 2 or 3 times before and I know how the pitches behave. There were going to be difficult pitches for the batsmen to score runs but still it was good to have the tour before. I also had a good team in Guyana and had great teammates. They were happy and supportive of players from different countries and this made it a great dressing room to be in.


Caribbean Premier League: How have you found that? Obviously you've had guys like Martin Guptil, James Franklin, Curtly Ambrose, and Sunil Narine in that dressing room. What's it been like in the dressing room? How much fun has it been?

Mohammad Hafeez: There have been great moments and these tournaments give you that when you have top players coming together. Ambrose is a great character and we're happy to have him in the side. He gives us confidence before and after the games and he encourages us. Guys like Franklin, Guptill, Sarwan, and Narine are all greats for their teams and it's always good to get together and play for each other.


Caribbean Premier League: You've gotten to the semi-finals. You won't be a part of that, but do you think Guyana can go all the way? Lasit Malinga is replacing you of course. 

Mohammad Hafeez: I personally believe we have a very good side and we all believe in each other. That's one of our strong points. I wish them the very best of luck and I will miss them. I believe that this tournament belongs to Guyana and I hope in the last two games, the boys will finish things well for the team and for me. 


Caribbean Premier League: Take us through your innings. It was some amazing clean striking. The straight 6 off Kemar Roach had to be seen to believe. How did it all come about? What was your approach because you needed about 11 or 12 runs an over?

Mohammad Hafeez: When I went inside, I knew that I had to take a chance but in a technical way. If I tried hard and forced it, I wouldn't get it and I knew that. Franklin played a great role early on and he shifted the momentum. I believed in myself and played the ball in the strength area. I tried that and things worked well for me. 


Caribbean Premier League: Are you sad in some ways with the tournament reaching a climax?

Mohammad Hafeez: Yes, I'll miss it but national duty comes first. I was happy to join the team and now I'm happy to leave on a positive note. I'm really happy with the replacement in Malinga and I hope his presence gives us more confidence to win the trophy. I hope this team continues to believe in themselves, and if they do, they'll win the trophy.


Caribbean Premier League: Would you come back here next year?

Mohammad Hafeez: It all depends on the international schedule but if I can, I will definitely play here again.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Discuss!