![Masood no longer in Pakistan Test scheme of things [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793944986302_MasoodnolongerinPakistanTestschemeofthings.jpg?type=hq)
Masood no longer in Pakistan Test scheme of things [Source: AFP]
Shan Masood, the former Pakistan cricketer, has reportedly been informed by the PCB that he is no longer required in the Test setup. Masood became the red-ball skipper after Babar Azam stepped down in 2023, but since then, Pakistan cricket has been on a downward trend.
After a tough couple of years under Masood, PCB once again reinstated Babar Azam as the new Test captain, and Masood was even dropped from the Pakistan Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka Tests.
Masood no longer required in Pakistan Test team as PCB turns towards youth
According to a report by Pakistan journalist Saleem Khaliq, PCB has reportedly informed Masood that the management will now turn their attention towards young players, and Masood, 37, is not in the red-ball scheme of things.
A few weeks ago, it was reported that the newly appointed Test interim coach, Mike Hesson, was keen to introduce more youngsters in the Test squad as Pakistan aims to do well in the WTC 2027-29 cycle.
“It is no secret that the red ball team’s interim and the white ball regular head coach, Mike Hesson and senior selector are keen on introducing more young players into the national sides in all formats,” a source told PTI.
“The idea is to start building a better Test squad for the next World Test Championship cycle which might include more teams,” the source added.
Masood’s poor batting numbers: the main reason behind his exclusion
The left-handed batter has entered the twilight of his career, and at 37, he isn’t getting any younger. Moreover, his numbers in Tests are not that pleasing either.
In 50 Tests, the southpaw has accumulated 2926 runs, with an average of just 30.80, including 7 hundreds and 15 fifties, and hence, he was dropped from the squad vs Sri Lanka.
Moreover, captaincy brought pressure for the Pakistan batter as he struggled to lead the team, and it affected his numbers. In the last three years (since 2024), Masood racked up only 1183 runs, with an average of 33.80.
He was given plenty of chances to deliver at the top, but the batter failed to deliver the goods, as Pakistan has decided to move on from him, and with their WTC 2025-27 final qualification hopes over, the management wants to focus on the next cycle.
