Hafeez, celebrated for his contributions to Pakistani cricket, expressed his admiration for Naik in the posts. He described the encounter as a "pleasure," highlighting Naik's influence in Islamic preaching. However, this public display of association has not been well-received by all.
Dr. Zakir Naik, an Indian Islamic preacher, is currently a fugitive from Indian authorities. In 2016, he fled India amid allegations of money laundering, hate speech, and incitement to extremism. The National Investigation Agency of India has sought Interpol's assistance in apprehending Naik, but efforts have been unsuccessful due to insufficient evidence. His television channel, Peace TV, has been banned in multiple countries, including India, Bangladesh, Canada, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom, over concerns of promoting hate speech.
The backlash against Hafeez stems from Naik's controversial reputation. Many social media users, especially from India, have criticised Hafeez for associating with a figure accused of spreading divisive ideologies. Comments on Hafeez's posts range from disappointment to outright condemnation, with users questioning the cricketer's judgment in endorsing Naik.