Shan Masood bags PCA Most Valuable Player of the Month award

Pakistan opening batter Shan Masood has been voted as the PCA's Player of the Month for his brilliant performances for Derbyshire in the ongoing County Championship.

The left-hander finished top of the month's PCA Most Valuable Player Rankings, registering 129.34 points. He got more votes than Kent's Ben Compton, Hampshire all-rounder Keith Barker and Yorkshire batter Harry Brook who received 30%, 14%, and 10% of the vote, respectively, with the four players shortlisted selected from the MVP Rankings. 

In his six innings in the county season, Masood has crossed the 50-run mark on five occasions, including back-to-back double-centuries. Thus far in the season, he has scored 713 runs at an average of 119, including back-to-back double-centuries. 

Masood has been exceptional in the ongoing County Championship. He is currently the leading run-scorer in the competition across its two divisions. His performances have led Derbyshire to the second spot as they look to finish within the first three positions to secure promotion to the first division.

After winning the prestigious award, Masood told the association that he was grateful for the award. He praised Derbyshire's dressing room environment for helping him succeed in the season this far.

"County cricket excites me, the fixtures are relentless, but it gives you games of cricket week in and week out and the chance to improve your trade. I knew I would play 14 Championship games – and I get to work with Ian Bell, which is a huge privilege. You play against quality opposition and have the chance to play all three formats," Shan Masood said after receiving the PCA's Player of the Month Award.

Masood also lauded Derbyshire head coach Mickey Arthur for giving him space and allowing him to enjoy his game rather than thinking too far ahead.

"Being provided with a very good environment and platform by Derbyshire and Mickey Arthur has allowed me to enjoy my cricket and not think too far ahead. The dressing room is an important place, and you can tell it is a Mickey Arthur dressing room. His standards are so high, but you get a lot of backing from the coach, so when you go out on the field, you can focus on giving good performances," Masood added.

The 32-year-old stylish batter will be looking to continue his rich form in the rest of the competition and return to the national side as he has not represented Pakistan since the side toured New Zealand in early 2021.