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Shan Masood’s fresh fitness concerns have left the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed in limbo as the touring side is aiming to level the ongoing two-match Test series after suffering a crushing 90-run defeat in the first Test against the West Indies.
Pakistan’s opening batter Abdullah Fazal was already ruled out of the ongoing West Indies tour as well as the England tour due to a severe back injury. So, they couldn’t afford another loss, as they are set to face England in the crucial three-match Test series next month. Amid this, Mohammad Amir questions Babar Azam's appointment as Pakistan Test captain.
Shan Masood's injury puts Pakistan under pressure before must-win second Test against West Indies
As Shan Masood is racing against time for the second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies, starting on Sunday, August 2, in Port of Spain, Sarfaraz Ahmed has decided to keep all the cards secret when he was asked about the replacement for the final WTC Test.
The Pakistan National Cricket Team has already added Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel to their Test squad ahead of the second match against the West Indies and England tour, but there is still no confirmation on whether either of them will play in Port of Spain.
The team management is keeping everyone guessing over the final playing XI as Masood has not yet been officially ruled out of the second and final Test against the West Indies.
Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel? Sarfaraz Ahmed refuses to share plans
Well, the Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has made it clear that no final decision has been taken yet on whether Abdullah Shafique or Saud Shakeel would replace Masood and said that the team management will decide the playing XI before the match.
The coach made it clear that everyone will know the playing XI only at the time of the toss. Amid this, Lahore Qalandars vs San Francisco Unicorns Match Prediction: Who will win today's Global Super League 2026 match?
Sarfaraz Ahmed said at the press conference, “We will decide before the next match. You will get to know at the toss.”
Shan Masood's injury hurt Pakistan in first Test: Sarfaraz Ahmed
The red-ball head coach also admitted that Shan Masood’s injury played a big role in Pakistan’s crushing loss to West Indies in the first Test. However, the former Pakistan captain praised the pitch used for the first Test, saying it was an excellent wicket for Test cricket.
Sarfaraz said, “Shan Masood scored a brilliant century in the first innings, but he suffered an injury while batting. That cost us a little in the second innings, as he was unable to bat in his usual position. As for the pitch, I think it was an excellent Test match wicket.
It offered plenty for both the batters and the bowlers, making it a great contest. Credit goes to the ground staff for preparing such a fantastic surface for this Test match.”
Shan Masood's brave century ends in heartbreak after finger fracture
Masood suffered a finger fracture after being hit on the hand by a sharp delivery from West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales during the first Test.
Despite the injury, the former Pakistan captain showed great determination and completed his century before scans confirmed the fracture.
The injury forced him to bat lower down the order in the second innings, where he managed just 3 runs off 15 balls as Pakistan were bowled out for 120 while chasing a target of 211.
