The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has upgraded Pakistani Test captain Shan Masood’s central contract category from D to B.
This decision aligns with the PCB’s policy, which stipulates that a centrally contracted player, whose contract falls outside of the A or B categories, will have their status upgraded to category B for the duration of their captaincy.
Shan Masood, 34, was appointed as the Test captain on November 15, 2023, a role he will hold until the conclusion of the 2023–25 cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
The left-handed batsman, with 30 Test matches under his belt, has scored 1,597 runs. He is set to lead Pakistan for the first time in the upcoming three-match series against Australia, scheduled to commence on December 14.
Shan Masood Looks Forward To ‘Exciting Challenge’ Of Australian Tour
Meanwhile, newly-appointed Test captain Shan Masood embraces the upcoming challenge and opportunity presented by the upcoming tour to Australia. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Masood expressed the team’s commitment to delivering positive results for Pakistan.
Highlighting the continuity in strategy, Masood affirmed that the opening pair would remain unchanged. He specifically mentioned the successful partnership of Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique in Tests throughout the year, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a settled opening stand.
With Pakistan gearing up for a three-match series against Australia as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship, commencing on December 14, Masood acknowledged the formidable challenge. Pakistan has not secured a Test victory in Australia for 28 years, having faced defeats in their last 14 consecutive Tests on Australian soil.
The appointment of Shan Masood as Test captain follows Babar Azam’s decision to step down from captaincy in all three formats. Masood, who has experienced a rollercoaster journey in and out of the Test side, views this leadership role as a remarkable opportunity. Despite facing challenges in securing a permanent spot in the side, Masood’s resilience has brought him to the helm of the team.
His captaincy debut coincides with Pakistan’s historically challenging away series in Australia. Masood, who has played at No. 3, expressed his eagerness to adapt to the role. This Australian tour will be a significant test for Masood’s leadership, and he aims to lead the team with a fresh perspective and determination.
As the team prepares for the Australian challenge, Masood’s focus on stability, combined with his personal readiness to adapt, signals a positive approach. The tour will not only test the team’s mettle on the field but also mark a crucial chapter in Shan Masood’s leadership journey.
