The instabilty in Pakistan cricket is set to continue as Shan Masood is set to become the latest victim and be sacked as the captain of the test team as his horrific tenure as captain continued after a humilating defeat to England in the Multan Test by a margin of an innings and 47 runs.
Masood took over captaincy after Babar Azam stepped down last year and is yet to win a match. Infact, Masood has led Pakistan in six matches in which they have lost all six matches. He is the first Pakistan captain in Test cricket history to lose his first six matches in charge. Masood joins Wasim Bari and Asif Iqbal as the only captains to lead Pakistan in six test matches but not win a single game.
Shan Masood Set To Be Sacked
According to a report bySamaaTV, Masood is set to be sacked as Pakistan after the end of the ongoing series against England. The reported information states that the head coach, Jason Gillespie, and Pakistan selectors are set to meet today where Masood’s future will be discussed. The PCB believe a change in leadership is needed to revive Pakistan’s fortunes in red-ball cricket.
The same report adds that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a three-man shortlist to replace Masood. Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Afgha are among the contenders for the top job.
Shakeel was named the vice captain for the series against Bangladesh and England, while Rizwan has been in contention for leadership roles for a while but is yet to get a permanent position.
After the Multan Test, PCB also announced a revamped selection committee, with former cricketers Aaqib Javed and Azhar Ali included alongside former ICC Elite panel umpire Aleem Dar. Analyst Hassan Cheema is also part of the new selection committee.
Pakistan are also searching for a new white-ball captain after Babar Azam's resignation last month.