Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood on Monday (September 30) addressed a press conference, where an awkward incident took place, requiring the intervention of PCB’s media director.
Sami ul Hasan, PCB Director of Media and Communications, took a journalist to task for 'disrespecting' the skipper with the way he framed and asked his question.
"One last humble request," PCB’s media director said after the media conference ended.
"Pakistan ka captain baitha hai, aap bilkul sawal karein (Pakistan captain is sitting, you can definitely ask questions). But please show respect...It was not the appropriate way of asking the Pakistan captain the question that you asked," he added.
Pakistan cricket is going through a tumultuous time lately. After a first-round exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, they suffered a humiliating 2-0 whitewash in the home Test series against Bangladesh last month.
Pakistan’s embarrassing display has sparked strong reactions from their fans and former players, with many criticizing the selectors and team management for sticking to non-performing players and ignoring domestic performers. It has prompted selector Mohammad Yousuf to relinquish his post.
The journalist's question was framed around that as he asked, "Shan, you said that until the time they (PCB) are giving you a chance, you will continue. But doesn't your conscience tell you that you are losing, not able to perform, and should quit and leave?"
The Pakistan Test skipper was taken aback by the query as he looked straight at the PCB Director of Media standing to his right. Masood handled the awkward moment with a smile on his face and didn't give an answer.
During the press conference, Shan Masood also had a verbal duel with a reporter, who asked: "Have we still not come out of this liking and disliking in the team? We are continuing to give those (inconsistent) players chances...Shouldn't (batsman) Kamran Ghulam be given a chance from now on?"
In reply, Masood said, "Sir thoda apna question rephrase kar dein, aapne thode facts bhi galat bataye hain (please rephrase your question, your facts are incorrect)”, before he indulged in a brief argument with the journalist over statistics.
"I can also pull out selective stats," Masood added. The journalist continued: "If a player has one fifty in 10 innings, how many chances will you give him? 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."
"With all due respect, I don't think your question is accurate...I agree that Pakistan hasn't played good cricket in 2024," said the skipper, adding that it's wrong to compare the performances of Tests with T20Is and vice versa. "Things should be looked at objectively."
Reacting to the query of backing a player despite poor returns, Masood said: "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."
Pakistan are due to face England in a three-match Test series at home, starting October 7 in Multan.
