In a surprising turn of events for Pakistan cricket, Shan Masood has announced his decision to step down as the Test captain. This announcement comes on the heels of the team’s recent defeat to South Africa in the second Test held in Rawalpindi.
Masood is now slated to take on a significant administrative role within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a consultant for international cricket. This unexpected appointment was made public by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi during a reception hosted for the Pakistan and South African teams at Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s residence. What’s particularly noteworthy is that this decision arrived a full week before the official deadline for applications for the director position.
Given that Masood primarily participates in Test matches, which are scheduled intermittently, he will reportedly balance his active playing career with these new consultant responsibilities. If this unique arrangement moves forward, it would mark an unprecedented instance in international cricket of a currently active player simultaneously holding a board position.
However, this appointment is already sparking debate regarding its alignment with the PCB’s own constitution. The board’s regulations typically prohibit active players from holding such administrative roles, explicitly reserving these positions for retired cricketers.
Masood steps into a role previously held by Usman Wahla, the previous director of international cricket, who was suspended during the Asia Cup. Wahla’s suspension followed an incident where he delayed an email related to a protest against match referee Andy Pycroft. During this period, Wahla had controversially advised then-captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav. The PCB had subsequently lodged a request with the International Cricket Council for Pycroft’s removal, which the ICC rejected, instead arranging a meeting where Pycroft expressed regret. Wahla, reportedly maintaining strong political connections, was later reinstated.
The PCB had publicly advertised the director position, specifying that eligible candidates must have played both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket for Pakistan. With 44 Test appearances, 9 ODIs, and 19 T20Is under his belt, Masood indeed meets these qualifications. Interestingly, local media had previously tipped former captain Misbah-ul-Haq as a strong contender for the role, though he chose not to apply.