PCB takes sudden U-turn; Shan Masood’s powers curtailed

Rajgeeta Yadav

Pakistan captain Shan Masood [Source: AFP]Pakistan captain Shan Masood [Source: AFP]

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly reconsidering its decision to appoint Pakistan men’s Test captain Shan Masood as Consultant, International Cricket and Players’ Affairs, with the possibility that the offer may be withdrawn altogether. 

Sources revealed on Monday that the board is reassessing the feasibility of the role due to Masood’s demanding international commitments.

According to Geo Super sources, the 36-year-old top-order batter was verbally offered the consultancy position in October. The offer was later officially acknowledged by the PCB through a brief press release and a social media announcement.

PCB likely to pull back consultancy role offered to Shan Masood

 However, the subsequent removal of the press release from official platforms has raised questions about the future of the proposed appointment and intensified speculation surrounding the board’s intentions.

Insiders suggest that Masood’s packed Test cricket schedule has become a major factor in the PCB’s deliberations. With Pakistan’s Test calendar requiring significant time and focus, it has reportedly proven difficult for the experienced cricketer to balance his on-field responsibilities with a high-level advisory role off the field. As a result, the PCB is now considering withdrawing the offer altogether.

Meanwhile, Masood’s proposed appointment came after the PCB advertised the vacant position of Director of International Cricket Operations, which became available following the resignation of Usman Wahla. While the board did not clearly define Masood’s specific responsibilities, the advertised role includes a wide range of administrative and operational duties.

These responsibilities involve planning and organizing international cricket events, finalizing memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for home and overseas tours, and coordinating schedules for Pakistan’s national team, Shaheens, Under-19, Under-16, and emerging teams. 

The role also requires preparation for International Cricket Council (ICC) meetings, budget planning for tournaments, and overseeing negotiations, contracts, and itinerary planning for Future Tours Programme (FTP) commitments across all formats.

It is important to mention that Shan Masood has enjoyed a lengthy international career, representing Pakistan in 44 Test matches, nine ODIs, and 19 T20Is since making his debut against South Africa in 2013. He has captained the national side in 14 matches, registering four victories and 10 defeats. His most recent assignment as Test captain concluded with a 1-1 series draw against South Africa.