In a rare and unconventional move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially appointed current Test captain Shan Masood as its Consultant of International Cricket and Players’ Affairs. This decision marks a significant and unprecedented moment in Pakistan cricket history.
This is the first time a serving Test captain has been granted an administrative role within the board while simultaneously continuing to lead the national team in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The PCB officially announced Masood’s appointment on Friday.
The decision comes shortly after the PCB advertised for a new Director of Cricket, a ‘multi-dimensional leadership position’ focused on team management and the oversight of Pakistan’s international cricket operations. Shan Masood has reportedly expressed interest in this role, with the application deadline set for November 2.
Masood, 36, boasts a respectable international career, having played 44 Tests, nine ODIs, and 19 T20Is for Pakistan, accumulating 3,108 international runs, including six Test centuries. As captain, he has led Pakistan in 14 Tests, notably during the recent two-match World Test Championship series against South Africa. Under his captaincy, Pakistan also achieved a significant 2-1 series victory against England last year, their first home Test series win against England since 2005.
Previously, former captain and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq was considered for a similar administrative post but reportedly declined due to existing commitments.
This new appointment arrives amidst broader controversies engulfing the PCB. Recently, Multan Sultans owner Ali Khan Tareen publicly defied a legal notice from the board. The notice accused Tareen of violating clauses in his franchise’s 10-year agreement and threatened contract termination and a lifetime ban from cricket team ownership unless he issued a public apology for criticizing PSL management.
In response, the Multan Sultans franchise stated, “For the PCB management to treat constructive criticism as a crime is outrageous. It demonstrates the pettiness of the current management and clearly shows that the PSL is not open to questions or accountability.” Tareen further escalated the matter by posting a video on X (formerly Twitter) tearing up the legal notice and openly criticizing the PCB for its lack of direct communication.
Shan Masood’s unique dual role, encompassing both active captaincy and significant administrative authority, continues to fuel widespread debate regarding governance, transparency, and decision-making processes within the dynamic landscape of Pakistan cricket.