Shan Masood fires back at Naseem Shah for his 'language barrier with foreign coaches' remarks ahead of Bangladesh Tests

Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood reacted to the young pace sensation Naseem Shah’s “language barrier” statement ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The Pakistan cricket team is currently gearing up for the Bangladesh Tests at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

They have been training under the guidance of Pakistan's new red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, who is a legendary Australian cricketer and coach. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also brought out South African great Gary Kirsten as their white-ball head coach.

There is a language problem with foreign coaches: Naseem Shah

Well, Naseem Shah already worked with Kirsten, who joined the Pakistan cricket team before the T20 World Cup 2024, and he is now set for his first assignment with Gillespie against Bangladesh with the two-match Test series set to get underway on August 21 in Rawalpindi.

Speaking to reporters, Naseem Shah had said, “There is a language problem with foreign coaches. We need someone to translate the language. It is easier to communicate with the coach in your own language.”

Now, Shan Masood has fired back at Naseem Shah’s comments about the language barrier with foreign coaches and slammed the youngster for unnecessarily raising concerns about the effectiveness of communication within the national team.

Shan Masood has pointed out the strides the Pakistan team has made in overcoming communication barriers over the years. He noted that the team has long been familiar with working with international coaches and support staff, and there are not any communication gaps in the team.

The Test captain further said that Pakistan’s extensive experience with various foreign coaches over the years, including previous stints with Mickey Arthur and the presence of local coaches who facilitate effective communication, has been instrumental in ensuring smooth interactions within the team.

I think now there is no communication gap in Pakistan team: Shan Masood

With a mix of local and international expertise, Shan Masood said that the Pakistan team is ready to tackle the challenges if they arise. Shan Masood said at the press conference in Rawalpindi: “I think now there is no communication gap. All of us have spent a lot of time in different dressing rooms. Foreign coaches have come before in Mickey's time. Mickey has come twice. Different assistant foreign coaches have come.”

Masood continued, “Even our support staff, personnel, strength and conditioning coach, and physio, they have also come from abroad. So, I think over the years, the boys have picked a lot of things, played in different leagues, played franchises. Some people have even gone to England and played club cricket in the past.

So, I think the communication gap is such a thing that has become very less now. And even in PSL, you can see our coaches come and go. And I think enough, we also have local coaches, local players who understand, and they make sure that there is never a gap in communication.”

The Test skipper has stressed that things start in the dressing room, and whatever is decided in the dressing room and discussed will be implemented later. So, they give a lot of importance to this thing and make sure that every player understands what message is being passed.