Shan Masood on his way to replace Mohsin Naqvi as PCB chief! Stupidity rocks Pakistan Cricket

In a recent development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Test skipper Shan Masood as a Consultant for International Cricket. However, the board has not clarified whether Masood will step down from his roles as Test captain and international player, or manage both responsibilities concurrently.

The announcement comes after the Test series against South Africa, which ended 1-1. Masood, who captained the side, finished as the joint-highest scorer. Pakistan are set to play their next Test series against Bangladesh and the West Indies next year, followed by a three-match Test tour of England in August 2026.

PCB Appoints Shan Masood as New Director of International Cricket Operations

According to a report by Cricbuzz, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced Shan Masood for a new role during a recent dinner meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The team, along with the touring South African squad, had visited the Prime Minister on Friday.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

The position of Director of International Cricket had been advertised following Usman Wahla’s suspension over the mishandling of the “Handshakegate” incident during the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan in Dubai last month.

Although Wahla was later reinstated, he is reportedly being shifted to another department, likely the PSL, to accommodate Masood’s appointment. Applications for the Director role are open until November 2.

A senior administrative post demands full-time commitment and oversight of international cricket operations. However, the PCB has not clarified how Shan Masood will manage these responsibilities alongside his duties as Test captain and active player.

Former Captain Misbah-ul-Haq Declines Role Due to Existing Commitments

There had been speculation about former captain and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq taking up the role, but he declined due to existing commitments. The advertised position required candidates to be former domestic or international cricketers.

In the advertisement released by the PCB for the post, it stated: “This is a multi-dimensional leadership role, emphasising the management of the Pakistan team and the supervision of international cricket operations. The incumbent’s key functions are to plan, organise, execute, and oversee international tours.”

Misbah retired from international cricket in 2017 and was appointed PCB head coach and chief selector in 2019. He resigned as chief selector after a year. He was subsequently removed from his head coach role in September 2021 following Ramiz Raja’s appointment as PCB chairman.

Shan Masood Faces Tough Captaincy Stint for Pakistan in Tests

Shan Masood, who has captained Pakistan for just over two years, has experienced a challenging stint at the helm. Under his leadership, Pakistan has recorded four wins and ten losses, including series defeats to Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh.

The team secured only one series triumph, against England last winter. While his captaincy has faced scrutiny, Masood’s personal batting form has shown improvement, but questions about his future have persisted.

The team recently concluded a two-Test home series against South Africa, with the next series scheduled in Bangladesh in March, following the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan has played nine Tests since October last year, fewer than Zimbabwe (11) and well below India (15), England (12), and Australia and South Africa (11 each).

Also read: "Before people start pointing fingers..." - Ravichandran Ashwin warns Virat Kohli to perform in Sydney ODI