In an exclusive interview with PakPassion, Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood reflected on the challenges and changes following England's recent tour of Pakistan. Even though Pakistan emerged victorious in the series, it also marked a low point for Masood as he endured his sixth consecutive defeat as Test captain.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

By Saj Sadiq (23-11-2024)

The first Test in Multan saw Pakistan overwhelmed by England’s dominance. The visitors piled on a staggering 823 runs, including a triple century from Harry Brook (317) and another mammoth knock by Joe Root (262), leaving the hosts reeling.

In response to this dismal performance, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initiated a major overhaul. A new selection committee, headed by 1992 World Cup-winning pacer Aaqib Javed, was appointed. The committee made bold decisions, sending star players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah back home. In their place, domestic stalwarts like Kamran Ghulam, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali were drafted into the squad.

The changes paid off remarkably. Sajid and Noman delivered stellar performances, taking 39 wickets between them in the following two Tests. Their efforts helped Pakistan turn the tide, and Shan Masood secured his first Test win as captain, marking a significant milestone in his leadership journey.

Main topics covered in this interview:

Reflecting on the England Series: Shares his thoughts on the challenges faced during the England tour, including his struggles as captain and the team's inability to counter England’s dominant performances.

Mastermind Behind Spin-Friendly Tracks: Discusses the strategy of preparing spin-friendly pitches after England's batting onslaught, highlighting the thought process and the impact on the team’s results.

Dropping Babar Azam: He addresses the controversial decision to send Babar Azam back home, shedding light on the rationale behind the bold call and its implications for team dynamics.

Selection Policy: Explains the changes in the selection process under the new committee, emphasizing the focus on domestic performers and the inclusion of fresh talent like Kamran Ghulam, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali.

Responding to Jason Gillespie's Remarks: The skipper responds to Jason Gillespie's recent comments about Pakistan's approach to Test cricket and shares his perspective on the critique.

Reflecting on Personal Career Highlights: Takes a moment to reflect on key milestones in his career, including his journey to captaincy and the hard lessons learned along the way.

Addressing Ramiz Raja's Statement: He reacts to former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja's remarks about the team’s performance and the decisions made under his leadership.

Building Stability in the Pakistan Team: Outlines his vision for creating a more stable and cohesive unit, focusing on long-term goals and empowering players in the squad.

India's Refusal to Travel to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: The Test skipper shares his thoughts on the ongoing controversy regarding India's refusal to visit Pakistan and its implications for cricketing relations and the tournament’s future.

https://youtu.be/R3mIBvRYWRc?si=ZqwZD3UFcefOP3dy