Shan Masood to be stripped off Pakistan captaincy? Captain openly challenges PCB

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood opened up about his future after suffering the humiliating whitewash against Bangladesh at home.

Shan Masood stated that he isn't concerned about his job security despite his underwhelming batting and the team’s recent poor performance.

Masood was named captain of the Pakistan Test side ahead of the Australia tour. The batter started his captaincy tenure with a 0-3 loss in a Test series in Australia.

Pakistan has now lost two Test matches against Bangladesh at home. He has come under scrutiny after disappointing results.

Before this series, Pakistan had never lost a Test match to Bangladesh. The Pakistan skipper scored just 105 runs in four innings at an average of 26.25 against Bangladesh.

Overall, the left-handed batter has scored 1,883 runs in 35 Test matches at an average of 28.53, including four centuries.

I Took This Job To Make The Changes - Shan Masood

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shan Masood said that he took on the captaincy to make changes despite his failures. Masood added that he will give his best for as long as he has the opportunity.

"I am not worried about my job security. I took this job to make the changes we believe will help this team," Masood said.

"If I believe this team can go in a certain direction, even if my failure takes Pakistan in that direction, I will be content. However much time I get I'll be grateful for it and do my best," he added.

You Must Play Red-Ball Cricket - Shan Masood

Shan Masood believes that Pakistan's struggles in Test cricket are due to a lack of regular red-ball matches.

Masood highlighted that Bangladesh’s Test success is due to their players' extensive red-ball experience. He added that focusing on T20Is won't enhance Test performance.

"Bangladesh have two players who have played 70-90 Tests (Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahman), and Litton [Das] and Mehidy [Hasan Miraz] have played close to 40," Masood said.

"We need the same level of red-ball exposure. Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game. You need experience. We need more Test and Red-ball cricket. Whatever format you play is the format for which you'll produce players."

"You can't play more T20 cricket and get Test players. You can't prepare for science and then sit a maths exam. If you're being tested for maths, you study maths. To play red-ball cricket, you must play red-ball cricket," he further added on the matter.

Pakistan has had a poor run in Test cricket at home. They failed to win any matches during the previous World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The team is currently experiencing similar difficulties in the ongoing cycle.

Pakistan last won a home Test in 2021 against South Africa. Since then, they lost the Test series to Australia and England at home. Pakistan will continue their search for a Test win with England set to visit for a three-match series starting on October 7.

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