The Pakistan Test skipper faced a tough press conference on Monday.
Pakistan's Test skipper Shan Masood faced a tough press conference on Monday (September 30) after being retained in his role for the opening Test of upcoming three-match series against England.
Under Masood’s leadership, Pakistan have lost all five Test matches so far. While Pakistan suffered a 3-0 whitewash during the 2023-24 tour of Australia, they endured a humiliating 2-0 series sweep at the hands of Bangladesh in August.
The media persons questioned his position as captain and also asked him about selection of players who have continuously performed below standards.
"Have we still not come out of this liking and disliking in the team?" asked a journalist. "We are continuing to give those (inconsistent) players chances...Shouldn't (batsman) Kamran Ghulam be given a chance from now on?...Be it Abdullah Shafique or Saim Ayub, the same set of players are playing the T20s and Tests."
In reply, Masood said, "With all due respect, I don't think your question is accurate...I agree that Pakistan hasn't played good cricket in 2024," adding that it's wrong to compare the performances of Tests with T20Is and vice versa.
"If I back a player who becomes a good servant for Pakistan cricket and lose my own spot in the process, I will have no regrets."
Shan Masood also defended under-fire Abdullah Shafique, comparing the Pakistan opener’s stats with Indian legend Virat Kohli after 19 Tests.
"Things should be looked at objectively. You talk about stats. The other day I was reading a stat that Abdullah Shafique, who has played 19 Tests, has a better record than Virat Kohli," he remarked.
The first of the three Tests between Pakistan and England will be played in Multan, starting on October 7.