Shan Masood in a press conference (Source: AFP Photos)
Former Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood might be dropped from Pakistan's playing XI for Sri Lanka Tests, if not from the squad entirely. The PTI reported that Masood himself has a fear of losing his place, and his recent calf injury turned the matter from bad to worse.
Masood led the Pakistan Test squad from December 2023 to July 2026. During this period, Pakistan lost 12 out of 16 Test matches under his leadership before the PCB finally moved beyond him and reappointed Babar Azam as captain.
Mike Hesson’s Preference For Youngsters Puts Shan Masood Under Pressure
Pakistan now have an interim red-ball head coach in Mike Hesson, who is also their full-time white-ball coach. The source who had an interaction with PTI highlighted that Hesson prefers youngsters over any veteran who is underperforming.
To make matters worse, Pakistan languish ninth on the WTC points table, and it needs drastic changes to turn the tide. Hesson will go in that direction.
“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,” the 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.
And thus, Shan Massod’s place is in serious danger for Pakistan squad in Sri Lanka Tests. There will be two Tests between them, one in Rawalpindi from November 9 onwards and the other in Lahore from November 17 onwards.
Shan Masood’s Test Numbers
Once known as Pakistan’s Mr. consistent in Tests, Masood’s numbers did not improve at all over time. After 50 Tests, he now averages 30.80, having made 2926 runs with the help of seven centuries and 15 half-centuries.
In 2026, Masood averages 31.33 after 12 innings. He has tallied 376 runs, with one century and two half-centuries.
Therefore, it is clear that his time is running out, especially given that the youngsters from Pakistan have been waiting in the wings.
