Mohammad Hafeez captaincy journey: From boss-like behavior to team-first leadership

Former Pakistan all-rounder and captain Mohammad Hafeez has opened up about his early struggles with leadership, admitting that his initial approach to captaincy was flawed. Speaking during a recent interview, Hafeez reflected on his time as national T20 captain and how a dramatic mindset shift helped him grow both as a player and a person.

Mohammad Hafeez on captaincy mistakes: “A boss demands respect, a leader earns it”

Mohammad Hafeez captaincy was not an easy task, he made mistakes which he says if he didn't he might have been a better captain.

“When I got the captaincy, my biggest mistake was that I started behaving like a boss,” Hafeez said. “I thought it was about giving orders and doing what I wanted, but I was totally wrong.”

Early struggles in leadership

Hafeez, who became Pakistan’s T20 captain in 2012, said he initially misunderstood what true leadership meant. Although he had led domestic and departmental teams, the international stage brought new pressure and responsibility.

“I used to give respect to others,” he admitted, “but once I became captain, I acted a bit bossy. That was wrong.”

Turning point through self-reflection

Realizing the disconnect within the dressing room, Hafeez sought guidance to improve his leadership. He spent 3 to 4 months at LUMS (Lahore University of Management Sciences) to learn about management, communication, and team dynamics.

“Leadership is not about authority. It’s about giving teammates respect and ownership,” he said.

Pakistan’s rise under his leadership

When Hafeez took over, Pakistan’s T20 ranking was ninth. Over the next two years, the team climbed to second place with notable series wins against Australia, India, and the West Indies.

“The environment changed. The team started believing again,” Hafeez recalled. “When I gave them ownership, they gave their best.”

He credited the selectors and support staff for trusting his input and acknowledged the team effort behind the turnaround.

Legacy beyond rankings

Even though his captaincy ended in 2014, Hafeez believes the lessons he learned during that time were transformational.

“It made me a better human being,” he said. “Leadership isn’t standing above others. It’s standing with them.”