Sarfaraz Backs Shan Masood After Captaincy Change Ahead of Pakistan’s Overseas Test Tour
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has expressed confidence in senior batter Shan Masood, saying the left-handed opener remains highly motivated despite no longer leading the Test side.
Speaking after the team’s pre-departure training camp at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Sarfaraz said Shan has shown a positive attitude and continues to play an important role within the squad as Pakistan prepares for its Test tours of the West Indies and England.
Sarfaraz Praises Shan Masood’s Professionalism
Sarfaraz revealed that he had spoken with Shan Masood during the training camp and was pleased with his mindset.
According to the head coach, Shan’s confidence remains strong despite the leadership change. He added that the experienced batter prepared well for the upcoming tour, although he had to take a brief break due to a minor hamstring issue. Sarfaraz described Shan as a mature and experienced cricketer who understands the demands of international cricket and is fully committed to contributing as a senior player.
Shan Masood recently stepped down as Pakistan’s Test captain following the team’s home series defeat to Bangladesh. The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Babar Azam to lead the side once again for the upcoming Test assignments.
Confidence in Babar Azam’s Leadership
Sarfaraz congratulated Babar Azam on returning as Test captain, saying his previous leadership experience will benefit the national team.
He said Babar has successfully captained Pakistan in the past and expressed hope that the team will produce improved performances under his leadership.
Pakistan Complete Extensive Preparations
Pakistan will travel to the Caribbean after completing more than a month of training, including an extended camp in Lahore followed by a short camp in Rawalpindi.
Sarfaraz said the coaching staff designed the preparations to reflect the conditions expected in the West Indies. Practice sessions were held on different types of pitches, including surfaces offering pace and spin, to help players prepare for varying match situations.
He also noted that the team will play a four-day practice match in Port of Spain before the Test series begins, giving players additional time to adjust to local conditions.
Focus on Improvement After Recent Results
Pakistan’s recent performances in Test cricket have been challenging, but Sarfaraz believes the squad has worked hard to improve.
He said the coaching staff held individual discussions with players to identify areas for development, and the training camp was conducted in demanding conditions to strengthen both fitness and match readiness.
Sarfaraz expressed confidence that the team’s hard work and preparation will help produce better performances during the upcoming tour.
Young Domestic Performers Continue to Earn Opportunities
The head coach also welcomed the inclusion of several domestic performers in the national setup, including Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Awais Zafar, and Ali Usman.
He said rewarding consistent domestic performances is important for Pakistan cricket and added that these young players have earned their opportunities through dedication and strong performances.
Pakistan Target Series Success
Looking ahead to the tours of the West Indies and England, Sarfaraz acknowledged that both assignments will be challenging, particularly the England series due to local playing conditions and the use of the Duke ball.
Despite the difficult schedule, he said the team’s objective remains clear.
“Our goal is to win the series,” Sarfaraz said, adding that the squad has a healthy balance of experienced players and emerging talent. He expressed confidence that the team’s preparation will help them compete strongly, while noting that the final results will depend on performances on the field.
