Few figures in Pakistan cricket divide opinion quite like Shan Masood. Admired by some for his discipline and professionalism, yet doubted by others for his inconsistency, his journey reflects both resilience and struggle. As captain, he faces mounting scrutiny, with upcoming challenges likely to define whether he can finally cement his legacy.
Shan Masood: Inspiring Some, Frustrating Many
Shan Masood is probably one of the most misunderstood figures in Pakistan cricket, both as a captain and as a player. For some, he is overrated, while for others, underrated. His name has long been associated with polarizing opinions.
To a few, Shan’s rise to captaincy is linked merely to his fluent English and communication skills or perhaps his father’s connections. Yet for many others, Shan is a well-groomed, well-mannered professional with a strong cricketing sense, a solid technique and remarkable dedication to the game.
Commitment as a Currency: Shan Masood’s Culture of Fitness and Focus
His fitness is often highlighted as a marker of his discipline. Several Pakistani players, including Shadab Khan, have spoken in interviews about how Shan is a “fitness freak,” which stands as a testament to his work ethic. Statistically, Shan’s credentials are not insignificant either.
In List A cricket, he averages an impressive 52.31 across 137 games. Still, in 12 years of international cricket, he has only featured in 42 Tests, which averages out to just 3.5 matches per year. This imbalance raises questions about whether he has been unfairly criticized or whether opportunities have simply slipped away.
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Between Selection and Rejection: The Limited-Overs Tale of Shan Masood
In limited-overs cricket, Shan has not been given consistent chances. Yet when selected for the 2022 T20 World Cup, he finished as Pakistan’s highest run-scorer. His campaign included a crucial half-century against India and a composed knock in the final. Despite his contributions, Shan was dropped from the side shortly after, a decision that many observers considered unjust.
Shan Masood as Test Captain
Where It All Began: Learning Leadership the Hard Way
In November 2023, Shan was officially appointed as Pakistan’s Test captain, succeeding former skipper Babar Azam. His first assignment was the daunting 2023 tour of Australia. The campaign began in disaster as Pakistan were crushed by 360 runs in Perth.
The Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, however, was Pakistan’s best chance in years to register a win on Australian soil. Although Shan scored fifties in both innings, Pakistan ultimately fell short by 79 runs. The Sydney Test ended in another defeat, sealing a 3–0 whitewash. While the series showed flashes of promise, it also exposed Pakistan’s recurring inability to seize key moments.
Historic Humiliation at home against Bangladesh
Matters deteriorated further during Bangladesh’s historic tour of Pakistan, where Pakistan suffered a humiliating 2–0 whitewash, Bangladesh’s first ever against Pakistan. The opening Test ended in a crushing 10-wicket defeat, followed by a six-wicket loss in the second match.
Shan’s own batting form faltered as well, averaging just 26.25 across the two Tests with only one half-century. Public interest reached an all-time low, with Shan issuing a public apology in the post-match press conference. Reports also suggested that UK broadcasters were reluctant to buy rights for Pakistan’s subsequent series against England or were only prepared to do so at significantly reduced rates.
Redemption Against England
Against England, Pakistan were once again thrashed by an innings and 57 runs in the opening Test. The team responded by reverting to spin-friendly tracks, bringing in experienced campaigners Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali.
The strategy worked, as Pakistan won the next two Tests and sealed the series 2–1. Shan himself made a notable contribution with a fine innings of 151, offering a glimmer of hope amidst turbulent times.
Disappointments against South Africa & West Indies
The optimism, however, was short-lived. Pakistan toured South Africa in December 2024, where they once again struggled. What looked like a potential 1–1 draw turned into another disappointment. Pakistan narrowly lost the first Test by two wickets before collapsing in the second, beaten comprehensively by 10 wickets.
Their troubles continued back home as well, where they failed to defeat the West Indies on spin-friendly tracks in Multan. The visitors levelled the series 1–1, leaving Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign in tatters.
The Road Ahead
PCB’s Unusual Patience
Despite these setbacks, the Pakistan Cricket Board has continued to place trust in Shan Masood, something rare in Pakistan’s notoriously volatile system. Now, at 35 years of age, Shan finds himself at a critical juncture.
With experience spanning highs and lows, he must know that the time to deliver is now. If results do not improve, it is highly possible that the PCB will move on and turn to other candidates for leadership.
A Defining Home Challenge
Pakistan will host South Africa in October 2025, with Tests scheduled in Lahore from 12–16 October and in Rawalpindi from 20–24 October. For Shan Masood and his team, this is more than just another series.
It is a chance to restore pride and give the nation something to cheer for, especially after the painful experience of being beaten by India three times in the recently concluded Asia Cup.
The stage is set. The expectations are high. For Shan Masood, this is not just about silencing critics , it is about proving that he can be the leader Pakistan desperately needs in its toughest times.
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