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Shan Masood's future in Pakistan Test cricket has come under serious doubt after the left-handed batter was left out of the squad announced for the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The decision marks another setback for the 37-year-old, who led Pakistan for most of the last three years before losing the captaincy earlier this year.
The omission has also raised questions about whether Shan Masood has played his final Test for Pakistan. While the Pakistan Cricket Board has not announced his retirement or officially confirmed that he is out of the team's plans, journalist Saleem Khaliq has reported that the batter has fallen out of favour with the officials and has been informed that he is not part of the future plans.
Shan Masood dropped from Pakistan Test squad for Sri Lanka Tests
Pakistan have named a 14-member squad for their home Test series against Sri Lanka, with Babar Azam returning as captain. Masood is missing from the announced group, which includes several young players alongside experienced names such as Mohammad Abbas and Saud Shakeel. The squad announcement also leaves two places open for the final selection.
Shan Masood's exclusion comes after a difficult period. He was removed as Test captain following Pakistan's continued struggles, with Babar taking over the leadership responsibilities. The left-hander had also endured an indifferent tour of England, although he scored a century against the West Indies and made 95 in his final Test appearance against England.
The batter has recently been dealing with a calf injury sustained during the President's Trophy. He returned to domestic cricket and represented Sui Northern, scoring 85 before retiring hurt on 22 in another innings. His fitness situation had added uncertainty around his selection, but reports suggest that the decision could involve factors beyond his injury.
Shan Masood's Test career set to end after Pakistan decision
According to Pakistan journalist Saleem Khaliq, Masood has lost the backing of influential officials despite being among the country's leading run-scorers over the last two years.
Khaliq reported that head coach Mike Hesson wants to give younger players opportunities and that criticism of certain officials during a meeting with board authorities may have further damaged Masood's position.
The report also suggests that Shan Masood was informed he was not part of Pakistan's future plans, despite not being completely unfit.
His removal from the captaincy had already indicated a change in the team's direction, and the latest omission has intensified speculation about his international future.
Shan Masood's Test numbers and stats
Masood's Test record includes 2,926 runs in 50 matches and 96 innings at an average of 30.80. He has scored seven centuries and 15 half-centuries, with a highest score of 156. His record as captain includes 1,056 runs in 16 matches at an average of 34.06, with two hundreds and seven fifties.
The comparison with his record outside the captaincy role is notable. In 34 Tests as a non-captain, he scored 1,870 runs at 29.21, including five centuries and eight half-centuries. His overall first-class record is considerably stronger, with 13,866 runs in 208 matches at an average of 40.54, including 34 centuries and 62 fifties.
Pakistan's decision to leave him out, alongside the reported loss of support from officials, has put his Test career at a crossroads. However, there has been no official announcement that Masood has retired or that his international career has formally ended. For now, his omission from the Sri Lanka squad is the clearest indication that his place in Pakistan's plans is under serious threat.
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