PCB show faith in Shan Masood as 35-year-old to continue as Pakistan's red-ball captain 

Masood continue to lead Pakistan [Source: AFP Photo]

In the latest developments, Shan Masood, the Pakistan Test captain, will have a sigh of relief as he is set to continue as the leader of red-ball cricket, and the left-handed batter won’t be replaced despite not getting favourable results. He will continue to lead the Pakistan team in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2025-27.

On Tuesday, Masood, and red-ball coach, Azhar Mahmood, met with the PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, and as per reports by the ESPNCricinfo, the captain-coach duo has been given a free hand. Ironically, despite being given a free hand, neither Masood nor Mahmood was included in the selection committee to decide the squad for the upcoming South Africa series.

Masood’s captaincy future clear after debacle

In a controversial decision, Masood replaced Babar Azam as the Pakistan Test captain after the World Cup in 2023, and since then, there has been no notable progress shown. There were speculations that Masood could be sacked as the Test captain after Pakistan finished at the bottom of the WTC 2023-25 points table. However, his future as the skipper is safe, at least for the time being.

Apparently, when PCB recently announced their central contract list, Masood, who was in Category B, was demoted to the D category, the lowest in the central contract. Under his leadership, Pakistan have lost nine out of the 12 Tests played, a record that he needs to improve.

The merry go round in PCB coaching staff

Not only Masood, but Azhar Mahmood’s job as the head coach is also safe. Since the start of 2024, the Pakistan team has witnessed numerous coaching changes, including the brief spell of Jason Gillespie. The Aussie was given a long-term contract, but he had a dispute with the PCB, and more importantly with Aaqib Javed, as the head coach left his position with immediate effect.

Now, Mahmood has the task of steering the Pakistan team from shambles in red-ball cricket as they embark on a new journey.

---

ALSO READ

Pakistan Test Captain Shan Masood Joins Leicestershire For County Season

---