There were widespread expectations that Shan Masood might be replaced as the Pakistan Test captain under the new leadership at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), similar to how Shaheen Afridi was removed as T20I captain earlier this year.
Both Afridi and Masood were appointed to their respective captaincy roles in November last year, following Babar Azam’s decision to step down after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup, where they failed to advance past the group stage.
Masood’s tenure as Test captain began with a challenging tour of Australia, where Pakistan faced significant difficulties across the three-match series, resulting in losses in all matches. Masood’s own batting form was under scrutiny, having scored a modest 181 runs in six innings during the series. Despite speculation, the PCB has decided to retain Masood as the Test captain for the foreseeable future.
Shaheen Afridi’s tenure as T20I captain began with a disappointing 1-4 series loss in New Zealand. Following this defeat, the PCB swiftly removed him from the captaincy role and reinstated Babar Azam. Reports at the time suggested that Babar may have agreed to resume his T20I captaincy under the condition that he would also be appointed as the Test captain.
However, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has now confirmed that there will be no changes to the Test captaincy, and Shan Masood will continue to lead Pakistan in red-ball cricket. Naqvi also expressed receiving positive feedback about Masood’s performance from various sources.
“Shan Masood will not be removed from test captaincy of Pakistan Cricket Team. I have received positive reports regarding Shan from many sources,” said Mohsin Naqvi.
Masood is currently in the UK where he is plying his trade for Yorkshire in county cricket. The southpaw is also leading Yorkshire this season. He is the third-highest run-scorer for Yorkshire in county championship division two. In 8 games, the Pakistan star has scored 520 runs with the help of two centuries and one century.
Shan Masood eyes first Test series win:
Shan Masood is aiming to secure his maiden Test series victory as captain when he leads Pakistan in the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Scheduled to take place in August, Pakistan will host Bangladesh for two Tests followed by a series against England comprising three Tests.
Pakistan’s performance in the ICC World Test Championship has been modest, with just two victories from five matches, leaving them in fifth place on the points table. They are keen to bolster their standing by delivering strong performances in the upcoming home Test series.
