narinegame

Shan Masood issues an official statement on Naseem Shah's comments on Pakistan dressing room unity

Published - 20 Aug 2024, 08:14 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:18 AM

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood
Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood. Image Credit: PCB

As Pakistan gears up for their two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on August 21 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Test captain Shan Masood is emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere within the national team.

Masood said that he and head coach Jason Gillespie are more focused on creating a positive environment in the dressing room of the Pakistan cricket team, as they feel it is crucial to improving the team's performance on the field.

Shan Masood focuses on the dressing room atmosphere to boost Pakistan's performance

The Test captain believes that the success of a team is deeply intertwined with the morale and unity within the squad. Reflecting on his leadership approach, Masood highlighted that the Pakistan team's off-field dynamics have a direct impact on their on-field performance.

His goal is to ensure that players feel secure, valued, and welcomed, which, he believes, will lead to better results on the field. Masood's approach involves not just maintaining a positive atmosphere but also ensuring that players have a sense of continuity and enjoyment in their roles.

Furthermore, the Pakistan skipper revealed that he is working on creating an atmosphere where players not only perform to the best of their abilities but also contribute to a joyful and engaging cricketing experience for fans.

Our effort is to keep the dressing environment cool and calm: Masood

Shan Masood said in the press conference before the opening Test: “Our main focus and what I personally believe in as a leadership philosophy—which Jason also believes in, along with all the other players—is that everything starts from the dressing room. Our effort is to keep the dressing environment cool and calm. Our aim is to make every player feel welcome. That’s why we spend more time off the field than on it.”

Masood added, “So, whatever we set internally will be reflected externally. We're making an effort to keep the environment good and inclusive. Our goal is to provide consistent chances to the players and create a dressing room atmosphere where players enjoy cricket, yield positive results, and bring happiness to the fans.”

It’s a team game, not an individual game: Masood on Captain's role in the team's success

On the other hand, the 34-year-old emphasized the significance of teamwork, saying that while a captain must set a good example, the essence of the game lies in its team aspect rather than individual performance.

He noted that collective team performance, how they respond in different situations, and what defines their identity and strategic approach as a unit, matters most, not just the captain's performance.

Masood further explained, “I think it’s very important for the leader to lead by example, but at the end of the game it’s a team game, not an individual game, so what matters is how we play and respond as a team and what are our identity and blueprint as a team.”

The Pakistan skipper confirmed that Imam-ul-Haq is part of the team’s plan, but he has been rested for the Test series against Bangladesh, starting on Wednesday, August 21, in Rawalpindi, which also hosts the second and final Test from August 30.

logo
Stay Updated with the Latest Cricket News from Cricket Addictor.

You will receive the latest updates on cricket news throughout the day. You can manage them whenever you need in browser settings.