Shan Masood’s Future as Pakistan Test Captain Hangs in Balance
Shan Masood‘s Future as Pakistan Test Captain Hangs in Balance
Shan Masood is under massive pressure after Pakistan’s recent Test series defeat to Bangladesh. Under his captaincy, the sub-continent team hasn’t been able to show consistency in the longest format of the game.
Pressure Mounts on Masood
He is likely to be sacked as the Pakistan Cricket Board is not pleased with the way he is leading the national side. There are reports of unrest in the dressing room, with pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi speaking against the skipper.
A source close to Masood revealed that the senior player is ready to continue as captain but wants changes in the way the players are picked for the Test team. Masood, who is known to have a good rapport with the influential officials, is keen to complete the current ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Challenges Faced by Masood
Shan has also spoken to the board about how changes in the coaching staff and team management have impacted his job as a captain. He hasn’t been able to build a strong and competitive squad. Bangladesh recently thumped Pakistan in a two-match Test series. Despite the presence of big names, Masood’s team failed to challenge the rivals.
The collective failure of the batters and bowlers proved costly for the visiting team. Shan Masood hasn’t led the team from the front, and his low scores with the bat are also one of the reasons behind the continued downfall in red-ball cricket.
Decision on Captaincy Looms
No big decision has been taken so far, but a high-level meeting is scheduled to take place after the Australia series and before the Test matches against West Indies. The decisions on captaincy matters and Masood’s future will be taken.
As the Pakistan Cricket Board weighs its options, one thing is certain – the future of Shan Masood as Test captain hangs in the balance. Will he be able to turn things around and lead the team to success, or will he become the latest casualty of the team’s poor performance?
