David Lloyd slams Shan Masood's captaincy, says Pakistan captain lacks attitude for leadership

In a bold assessment of Shan Masood's captaincy, former England cricketer David Lloyd has raised eyebrows with his honest yet scorching statement on the Pakistan captain’s leadership qualities after their humiliating defeat of an innings and 47 runs against England in the first Test in Multan.

David Lloyd argued that Shan Masood may be a decent player, but he lacks the necessary attitude required for effective captaincy, as the Pakistan cricket team suffered six consecutive defeats in the Test cricket under his captaincy, including a whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh.

David Lloyd slams Shan Masood's captaincy after a series of Test defeats

Drawing comparisons to legendary Pakistani captains like Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, and Wasim Akram, Lloyd suggested that Masood's style is more reactive than proactive, suggesting he falls short of expectations.

The former ICC umpire and commentator has emphasized that Masood needs to embrace a more proactive strategy in order to effectively challenge England's aggressive playing style that is famous as Bazball.

The English legend has further expressed uncertainty about whether Masood possesses the confidence required for this approach, particularly while facing England’s Bazball.

David Lloyd criticizes Shan Masood's reactive captaincy after heavy loss in Multan

David Lloyd was quoted as saying by PakPassion: “Sometimes good people don't make really good captains. I think you have to have a bit of attitude. I don't think Shan Masood has that steel because I've seen him captaining Yorkshire, and I think it's my own view that he's a bit behind the pace; he's a bit reactive and not proactive. He is not like Pakistan's former captains Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, or Misbah-ul-Haq.”

"Shan doesn’t have any steel in him, as I’ve seen him captaining at Yorkshire."

"Shan is mostly a reactive captain, not a proactive one."

David Lloyd on Shan's captaincy

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— M (@anngrypakiistan) October 12, 2024

David Lloyd said: "Sometimes good people don't make really good captains. I think you have to have a bit of attitude. I don't think Shan Masood has that steel because I've seen him captain Yorkshire, and I think It's my own view that he's a bit behind the pace, he's a bit… pic.twitter.com/vxZkTzkwJq

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) October 13, 2024

Lloyd’s assessment is only further increasing scrutiny of Masood's captaincy, as the fans, cricket analysts, and former players have already been questioning whether the Pakistan skipper possesses the strategic mindset needed to guide the national team through challenges.

With the pressure mounting, Masood's future as captain is in danger despite the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) backing, with many advocating for a more confident leader to take charge of the Test team for their resurgence after England handed them humiliation in Multan.

Shan Masood yet to open his account as Pakistan captain

Notably, Shan Masood took over as Pakistan's Test captain after Babar Azam resigned following the 2023 ODI World Cup. Masood’s tenure began with difficulties. In his first series against Australia, Pakistan faced a crushing 3-0 defeat, which was followed by another disappointing 2-0 loss to Bangladesh on home soil.

And now, the Pakistan team posted a commendable total of 556 runs in their first innings, but it was not enough, losing the first Test by an innings and 47 runs against England in Multan. Under Masood's leadership, Pakistan has not secured a single Test victory, suffering defeats in all six matches he has captained.

Despite facing significant criticism, Masood remained Pakistan captain, as he has the strong backing of head coach Jason Gillespie. Well, the second Test between Pakistan and England will be crucial for Masood, as he will try to change his and his team’s fortune in Multan from October 15.