 He made his first-class debut in April 1998 against Essex at New Road.He played a further nine first-class games that season, smashing a career-best 55 off 53 balls to lead Worcestershire to a five wicket championship win over Gloucestershire, whose bowling attack included Courtney Walsh, Mike Smith, and Jon Lewis.In 1999, Hafeez had fewer opportunities, playing only four first-class matches, despite scoring over 800 runs for the Second XI in what was only his second year on the county staff.