Watch: Shan Masood stunned by blunt question from journalist at PC; PCB's media director intervenes

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood was in an awkward position after a question from a journalist during a press conference on Monday, September 30. The media director of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Samu Ul Hasan had to intervene to take a journalist to task for 'disrespecting' Shan Masood.

The Pakistan cricket team has been facing heavy criticism after a string of poor performances over the past few years. Shan Masood was appointed as the captain of the Test squad with hopes for improvement. However, the team's performance went from bad to worse with five consecutive Test defeats.

Masood began his captaincy tenure with a disappointing 3-0 whitewash against Australia in away conditions. The Men in Green suffered an unexpected 0-2 loss at home to Bangladesh, which was a new low for the team. The defeats have increased scrutiny on Masood's captaincy and his performance.

Watch: Shan Masood Left Speechless During Press Conference

Pakistan is currently preparing to play a three-match home Test series against England, starting on October 7. During a recent press conference, journalist Javed Iqbal asked Masood if he had considered stepping down from the team due to their recent poor performances.

“Shan, abhi aapne bola ki jab tak voh mauka de rahe hain toh aap avail karenge. Par kya kabhi khud se khuddari nahi aati ki haar gaye, performance nahi ho rahi, toh chhod k chale jaaye?” (Shan, you just said that as long as you're given the opportunity, you'll avail it. But doesn't it come from within to step aside when you've been losing and the performances aren't there?)" the journalist asked.

PCB Director of Media and Communication, Sami ul Hasan, scolded Javed Iqbal, the journalist who misbehaved with Shan Masood, and asked him to show respect. pic.twitter.com/dS1lKCJHoR

— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) September 30, 2024

Shan Masood was surprised at the question, but the PCB media director intervened and urged journalists to treat Masood with respect. Sami ul Hasan emphasized that it’s fine to ask questions but stated that his approach was inappropriate.

“Pakistan ka captain baitha hai, aap bilkul sawal karein but please show respect and particularly I am referring Javed. It was not the appropriate way of asking Pakistan captain the question that you asked,” the media manager said.

It Is Vital To Support The Team - Shan Masood

Masood expressed his support for the Pakistan cricket team amidst ongoing criticism following poor performances. He admitted that the losses are painful, but it’s crucial to stand by the players during challenging times.

“The losses hurt deeply, but it is vital to support the team, es­pecially during difficult times. Criticism is natural, but if we are to move forward, we must back our play­ers. Consistency is key to long-term success,” Masood said.

The Pakistan cricket team also lost points in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings due to a slow over-rate. Pakistan's chances of reaching the World Test Championship final are almost impossible. The first Test match between England and Pakistan will begin on October 7 in Multan.

Also read: Watch: Brain fade for Najmul Hossain Shanto as he gifts his wicket to Ravindra Jadeja on Day 5 of the Kanpur Test