Cricket

Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood, has emphasized the importance of unity and consistency within the team. Despite a challenging start to his tenure, Masood believes that the players are committed and deserve more time to prove their worth.Masood has faced criticism for Pakistan's recent performances, including a 3-0 series defeat in Australia and a home series loss to Bangladesh. However, he remains confident in the team's ability to improve."I have never seen a lack of unity or effort by the boys," Masood said. "There are some cricketing aspects to how we need to improve, but I have no complaints regarding unity."Masood has also backed Babar Azam, Pakistan's star batter, to regain his form. "Babar Azam is among the world's best batters," Masood said. "You have to give your players time, not just Babar Azam."Masood believes that players in the longer formats deserve more opportunities to prove themselves. "We have to give players a consistent chance," he said. "We want to consistently back our players, and whoever comes in shouldn't feel their spot is under threat from the first day."Masood also defended Abdullah Shafique, who has struggled in recent matches. "When I was out of the team for two years, I averaged over 60 in List A cricket, but Imam [ul-Haq-] and Fakhar [Zaman] were consistently performing," Masood said. "I didn't complain that I wasn't being selected, because I understood the level of competition was high."Masood highlighted the impressive form of Mohammad Hasnain in the One-Day Cup. "Hasnain was bowling really well and [was] a personal standout for me," Masood said. "We should appreciate the skill of fast bowling in Test cricket. It's the hardest skill and you need to be super fit to execute it."Masood emphasized the importance of managing fast bowlers' workloads to prevent injuries. "Fast bowling exerts a huge amount of stress on the body," Masood said. "So we've set certain standards and protocols so our fast bowlers are the fittest players in our team."

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood faced an inappropriate question from a journalist during a press conference, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) media manager to intervene. The incident highlights the intense scrutiny and criticism faced by the Pakistan team, particularly after their recent 2-0 Test series loss at home to Bangladesh.The journalist's question, which called for "self-reflection" from Masood, was deemed disrespectful by PCB media manager Sami ul Hasan. Hasan firmly warned the journalist, stating, "One final request - in a humble manner - Pakistan's captain is sitting here. You can definitely ask questions, but please show respect."Hasan singled out the journalist, Javed Iqbal, and added, "That's not the appropriate way of asking a Pakistan captain the question that you asked."The incident occurred as Pakistan prepares for an upcoming home series against England. The team has been struggling for form, having not won a Test match at home since March 2022. They have lost home Test series to Australia, England, and Bangladesh during that period.Masood took over the Test captaincy in November 2023 after Babar Azam's resignation. Under his leadership, Pakistan has been whitewashed 3-0 in Australia and 2-0 at home by Bangladesh, winning only one series in Sri Lanka.The PCB's intervention in the press conference highlights the importance of respecting players and officials, even during challenging times. The incident also serves as a reminder of the intense pressure faced by the Pakistan team, who are eager to regain their winning ways.

Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood, has defended his team's selection and performance, particularly in light of comparisons between Abdullah Shafique and Indian batting legend Virat Kohli.Masood faced a barrage of questions at a press conference on Monday, where he was grilled about his captaincy and the selection of underperforming players. Despite retaining Masood as captain for the upcoming home series against England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and selectors have faced criticism, leading to the resignation of selector Mohammad Yousuf.Addressing the media, Masood acknowledged Pakistan's poor performance in 2024 but emphasized the need for objectivity in assessing the team. He pointed out that Shafique's statistics in his first 19 Tests are superior to Kohli's at the same stage of his career."I don't think your question is accurate," Masood said in response to a query about inconsistent players. "I agree that Pakistan hasn't played good cricket in 2024, but we shouldn't mix and compare Tests with T20Is."Masood's comparison of Shafique's record to Kohli's drew attention, although Shafique has played four more innings than Kohli did in his first 19 Tests.

Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has expressed his disappointment over the team's recent home defeats to Bangladesh but remains optimistic about their upcoming three-match series against England in October. Masood emphasized the importance of the England series for both Pakistan cricket and the players themselves."The series is crucial for us to regain the confidence of our fans and supporters of Pakistan cricket," Masood said. "It is frustrating the way we have performed in recent times, but our preparations for the England tests are on track."Pakistan suffered a shock 0-2 series loss to Bangladesh at home last month, a result that Masood described as "very disappointing." However, he stressed the need for continuity and security for the players."We are at a critical juncture as a team and we have to remain optimistic," Masood said. "The losses hurt, but it's important to support the team, especially during tough times."Masood emphasized that building a strong Test team takes time and requires backing players. "It's easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must support our players," he said.The Pakistan captain noted that the team has reflected on recent performances and recognized the need for top fitness and mental readiness, especially with the Champions Trophy approaching."We have to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead," Masood said. "We have to be ready to fight and give our best on the field."Masood acknowledged that England would be a formidable opponent, having won in Pakistan two years ago and being familiar with the conditions."England is a strong team and they will be a tough challenge," Masood said. "But we are confident in our abilities and we are determined to give them a good fight."Regarding his own form, Shan expressed frustration at leading the team through defeats, stating that as captain, he always wants to contribute on the field."Accountability is for everyone in the Pakistan team," he added.Masood also said that selectors had announced the squad only for the first Test, as some players were returning from injuries and would be assessed during the match in Multan, starting October 7."For now, we've built the squad for one Test, considering the players' fitness levels," he explained. "Meanwhile, If required, Zahid Mahmood would be brought into the squad."

Pakistan's Test captaincy is expected to remain unchanged, with Shan Masood set to lead the team in the upcoming home series against England. Babar Azam will continue as the white-ball captain during the tours of Australia and South Africa later this year.England's squad will arrive in Pakistan on October 3 for a three-Test series beginning in Multan on October 7. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors will announce the Test squad after the Champions Cup final on Sunday.Masood, who has overseen five consecutive Test losses, will meet with head coach Jason Gillespie and national selectors Muhammad Yousuf and Asad Shafiq in Faisalabad this week to finalize the strategy for the England series.The last time England visited Pakistan, during the 2022/23 season, they swept the series 3-0 under the captaincy of Babar Azam.Sources indicate that few changes are expected in the Test squad that recently lost a series against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi 0-2. The batting line-up is likely to remain stable, with Shan, Babar, Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, and Muhammad Huraira being considered for selection.The selectors are considering the inclusion of some new spinners for the three-match series, but the decision will depend on the type of pitches prepared in Multan and Rawalpindi.Since 2022, Pakistan has lost home series to Australia, England, and Bangladesh, managing only to draw the series against New Zealand. The team will be eager to turn things around against England and regain some momentum in the Test format.

Pakistan cricket is in a state of disarray following their humiliating 0-2 Test series defeat to Bangladesh at home. The loss marks the first time Pakistan has been swept at home by an Asian opponent, sending shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity.Captain Shan Masood has faced the brunt of the criticism, but head coach Jason Gillespie has defended his leadership. Gillespie believes Masood has led the team well, but the players have simply not performed."Shan, I feel, has led the side very well. We just haven't played well as a team and that's the reality. We need to sharpen up on certain areas and we will sharpen up. I want to back and believe in these players, they are good enough," Gillespie said.Masood, for his part, remains confident in his ability to lead the team. He believes Pakistan is heading in the right direction, despite the recent setbacks."I am not worried for my job security. I took this job to make the changes we believe will help this team. If I believe this team can go in a certain direction, even if my personal failure takes Pakistan to that direction, I will be content. However much time I get, I'll be grateful for and do my best," Masood said.Masood also highlighted the need for more Test experience within the team. He pointed to the fact that Bangladesh had several players with over 70 Tests of experience, while Pakistan lacked such depth."Bangladesh have two players who have played 70-90 Tests (Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahman), and Litton [Das] and Mehidy [Hasan Miraz] have played close to 40. We need the same level of red-ball exposure. Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game. You need experience. It's obvious we need more Test and red-ball cricket," he added.The defeat to Bangladesh has raised serious questions about the future of Pakistan cricket. The team has now lost six consecutive Test series, and their ranking has plummeted to ninth in the world.Gillespie and Masood have their work cut out for them if they are to turn things around. They need to find a way to improve the team's performance on the field, and they need to do it quickly. Otherwise, Pakistan cricket could be in for a long and difficult period.

India's premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has extended his support to Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood amidst the team's recent struggles. Pakistan suffered a historic 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh, marking the first time they have lost a Test series to their neighbors.Ashwin acknowledged the challenges facing Masood, particularly with the absence of star batter Babar Azam from the leadership group. "Handling a Pakistan team at this point, where somebody like Babar Azam is not the captain and he's the poster boy of Pakistan, it cannot be an easy dressing room," Ashwin said.Despite the criticism directed at Masood, Ashwin believes he possesses the qualities of a capable captain. "Shan Masood is a very smart cricketer. I know that guy. He speaks a lot of sense. He can be a really good captain for Pakistan," Ashwin stated.Ashwin also commended Bangladesh's impressive performance in the series. "Bangladesh have come a long way. I don't take anything away from them. They have got a lot of experience in Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan, and they have also got some good young talent," he said.Meanwhile, Ashwin has been rested for the ongoing Duleep Trophy alongside other top Indian players. He is expected to return to action later this month when Bangladesh tours India for a two-match Test series.

Pakistan's recent Test series defeat to Bangladesh has sparked widespread criticism, with captain Babar Azam facing the brunt of the backlash. The team's poor performance has raised questions about Azam's leadership, temperament, and ability to deliver under pressure.Azam's struggles have been particularly evident in recent months, including the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Bangladesh Test series. His inability to meet expectations has led to doubts about his suitability as captain and his overall skill level.The criticism has extended beyond the field, with Pakistani YouTubers mocking Azam's performance. Some have even suggested that he would not be worth a bid of Rs 130 in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Pakistani players are not allowed to participate.Meanwhile, Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood has acknowledged the team's shortcomings and apologized to the nation. He admitted that the team was not prepared for the rigors of red-ball cricket and that they need to improve their fast bowling stocks.Masood emphasized the need to develop a pool of fast bowlers who regularly play red-ball cricket. He also acknowledged the absence of Shaheen Afridi in the second Test and the failure of the team's new faces to step up.Going forward, Masood believes the team must focus on improving their Test cricket performance. He stressed the importance of tolerating failures and giving consistent chances to players who are committed to the red-ball format.

Pakistan cricket has hit a new low after suffering a humiliating 2-0 whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh in a recently concluded Test series. The defeat marks the first time Bangladesh has ever won a Test series against Pakistan, and it has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.Shan Masood, Pakistan's Test captain, has become the first captain from the nation to lose his first five Test matches. He was appointed as skipper in November last year after Babar Azam stepped down from the role. Masood's record is even worse than that of Javed Burki, who lost his first three Test matches as Pakistan captain.Masood has acknowledged the need for consistency in selection and the importance of finding players who can be automatic selections based on current form. However, he has also expressed confidence in his ability to make the necessary changes to improve the team's performance."I am not worried for my job security," Masood said. "I took this job to make the changes we believe will help this team. If I believe this team can go in a certain direction, even if my personal failure takes Pakistan in that direction, I will be content."Pakistan's Test ranking has also plummeted to its lowest point in nearly six decades, falling to eighth place after the defeat to Bangladesh. The team now has no bowlers ranked in the top 10, and only one batter, Mohammad Rizwan, remains in the top 10.The defeat has raised serious questions about the future of Pakistan cricket. The team has struggled for consistency in recent years, and the loss to Bangladesh has exposed some deep-seated problems. Masood and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will need to work together to find solutions and rebuild the team's confidence.