Shan Masood’s Days Numbered As Pakistan Captain (Source: AFP Photos)
In a significant development, Shan Masood’s journey as Pakistan captain in Test cricket, in all likelihood, is set to be over soon. As reported by Telecom Asia Sport, Masood, who is now 36 years old, will soon be sacked despite his request to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to save his job.
The report further added that the PCB has already finalised who to make the captain of Pakistan’s Test side. The position will be given to Salman Agha, who is also their T20I captain. For ODIs, Shaheen Afridi has been doing the duties.
PCB Discards Shan Masood's Request For Pakistan's Captaincy
Earlier, Masood, who has had a terrible resume as Pakistan’s Test captain, requested the PCB, headed by Mohsin Naqvi, to keep him as Test captain. However, the PCB has moved beyond him and is thus ready to reward Salman Agha with more responsibility.
“Masood has requested the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi to not sack him for the sake of consistency,” the report added.
“Naqvi has had enough of Masood and now he and his advisers believe that Agha is the best candidate to replace Masood with two tough Tests coming in the West Indies and three more in England in the next few months,” a source was quoted as saying by Telecom Asia Sport.
Earlier, there were reports that the PCB would make Salman Agha the new Pakistan captain in Tests. After the reports, Shan Masood went to the PCB to change their mind. Nevertheless, the decision has now reportedly been made, and the official confirmation should be imminent.
How Has Shan Masood Performed As Pakistan Captain?
Since taking charge of Pakistan’s captaincy in Test cricket in December 2023, Masood has lost 12 out of 16 matches, including two shambolic defeats in Bangladesh. Hence, keeping in mind that there are important Test matches coming, the PCB does not want to wait any further.
To make matters worse, Masood’s average has now gone down to 30.49 in Tests. Surely, someone who plays as a designated top-order batter does not have such a stat after 46 Test matches.
If Masood had better numbers to back his plea, the PCB might have given his request some thought. Not to forget, the Pakistan board gave Masood an important role at the board – Consultant for International Cricket and Player Affairs last October.
Who Will Pakistan Play Next?
Pakistan have two important series coming up. Firstly, they will have a two-match Test series in the West Indies, scheduled to get underway on July 25. Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium will host both the matches.
After that, Pakistan will tour England for a three-match Test series, scheduled to begin on August 19. Headingley, Lord’s and Edgbaston will host those fixtures.
