Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood remains optimistic about the future despite recent setbacks, as the team prepares for an upcoming Test series against England. Speaking at a press conference on September 30, 2024, Masood emphasized the importance of supporting the players, even after a disappointing whitewash against Bangladesh.
“It’s easy to make changes after a loss, but if we want to move forward, we must back our players,” Masood stated, reinforcing the need for consistency and faith in the team. He acknowledged that the team deeply regrets their recent losses and is committed to improving.
The national side is gearing up for a three-match Test series against England, starting on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The second match will also take place in Multan, followed by the third from October 24 to 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This series is a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
Reflecting on the Bangladesh series, Masood highlighted the need for improvements in both physical and mental fitness to elevate Pakistan’s standing as a top Test side. “We’ve learned a lot about our physical and mental condition, and it’s clear that improvements are needed,” he said. Masood also acknowledged that while losing is tough, accountability is part of the game, especially for a captain.
Despite the challenging start, Masood remains hopeful for the upcoming series. He also mentioned the return of Aamir Jamal from injury and clarified that the current squad has been selected with player fitness as a priority. Zahid Mahmood, who will join the pre-Test camp in Multan as the 16th player, may be called upon if needed, but the final squad will be trimmed to 15 players for the first Test.
In closing, Masood stressed the pressure of professional sports but made it clear that no player enjoys losing. With renewed focus on mental and physical conditioning, Pakistan aims for a strong performance against England.
