 He played a number of games for Warwickshire's Second XI in 1996 and 1997, having progressed through the age-groups from under-14 level.He was part of the Second XI Championship winning side for Warwickshire in 1996.Hafeez caught the eye of neighbours Worcestershire in 1997 after having scored over 750 runs for Moseley Cricket Club's First XI in the Birmingham and District Premier League that summer.