Shan Masood’s place in Pakistan team in danger, sensationally claims Ramiz Raja

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has expressed strong concerns about Shan Masood's performance and leadership following the team’s embarrassing 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test in Rawalpindi on August 25.

Ramiz Raja, the former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, emphasized that Shan Masood must contribute significantly with the bat, and as a captain alone, he is not good enough to secure his place in the national cricket team.

Ramiz Raja criticizes Shan Masood’s batting and leadership after heavy loss to Bangladesh

His criticism came after Shan Masood's lackluster performance in the match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where he managed only 20 runs across both innings, which has drawn considerable criticism.

Ramiz Raja also highlighted Masood's controversial decision to ignore a specialist spinner for the opening game of the ongoing two-match Test series against Bangladesh, and he believes that it was a significant tactical error leading them to a humiliating defeat on home soil.

The former Pakistan captain has also pointed out that Shan Masood's recent approach to batting has been more about survival than the aggressive style he previously displayed in the format.

Raja also noted that Masood’s current footwork and batting technique need improvement to match the demands of international cricket.

He has to take the correct direction: Ramiz Raja on Shan Masood

Ramiz Raja said on his YouTube channel: “Shan Masood needs to first bat well and then show his knowledge of the game a little because he is decently experienced as far as captaincy is concerned. He captains in county cricket and has captained his team in the PSL. I couldn't understand on what basis he thought that if you leave grass on the Pindi pitch in August, the ball will swing a lot.”

Raja further noted, “Firstly, he has to take the correct direction. It was a massive faultline from the selection point of view. His batting has gone down. He is not Mike Brearley or a great captain; he will continue to have a place even if he keeps scoring zero. He needs to pull his batting up.”

The former PCB chief has criticized the tactical and selection decisions made by the Pakistan team, suggesting that these calls are denting their own goals. He pointed out that even with the introduction of new players, immediate match-winners are not guaranteed.

Pressure will increase if we lose Test series to Bangladesh: Raja

Raja stressed the urgent need for Pakistan to win the second and final Test to avoid losing the home Test series against Bangladesh, as it would further increase the pressure on the team, having already faced significant scrutiny for their poor performance in the past 18 months.

He signed off by saying, “You are defeating your own aim through tactics and selection. Even if you play new players, they are not of the standard that you will straightaway get matchwinners.

"Pakistan has to win the next match at any cost. You cannot lose this series because Pakistan cricket is already under pressure, and the pressure will increase if you lose this series to Bangladesh.”