Web desk: Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood has been appointed as the Consultant for International Cricket and Players’ Affairs.
The 36-year-old has represented Pakistan in 44 Tests, nine ODIs, and 19 T20Is, amassing 3,108 international runs with six Test centuries to his name.
He has led the national side in 14 Tests, including the recently concluded two-match ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa.
Under his captaincy, Pakistan achieved a historic 2-1 Test series victory over England last year.
PCB Removes Usman Wahla as Director of International Cricket Operations
Previously, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) removed senior official Usman Wahla from his position as Director of International Cricket Operations.
According to sources, Wahla is likely to be reassigned to a senior role within the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
His removal comes after concerns were raised about his handling of administrative matters during the recent Asia Cup, according to the reports.
Sources said Wahla had earlier been suspended following alleged mismanagement during the tournament.
This had led the Pakistan Cricket Board to advertise the position of Director of International Cricket Operations for new recruitment.
The board’s announcement stated that applicants must have represented Pakistan in either Test or One Day International cricket.
Additionally, the application deadline was set for November 2.
Shan Masood Defends Pakistan’s Spin-Friendly Pitch Strategy
Earlier, Pakistan captain Shan Masood expressed confidence in the team’s strategy of preparing slow, spin-friendly wickets for home Tests.
This was a policy that had drawn criticism despite recent setbacks.
Pakistan have intentionally produced dry, turning pitches over the past year to favour their spinners in series against England, West Indies, and South Africa.
However, following an eight-wicket defeat to South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where large fans were used to dry the surface, Masood defended the approach, saying it remained the right strategy for home conditions.
“Look, it’s been four wins out of six since we’ve operated on these wickets,” he had said.
He further added, “Obviously, the wickets have got a bit better. They’ve been much more battable. Four out of six isn’t bad considering in the two test matches we’ve lost we got into winning positions. Had we finished those games off it could easily have been six out of six.”
